An open-air theatre will be built in a popular park after plans were voted through by council.

The proposal for the Brighton Open Air Theatre (Boat) in Dyke Road Park was up before Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee on Wednesday (October 8).

Members voted through the blueprints and also relaxed suggested restrictions.

As a result the venue will be able to operate up to 10pm Monday to Saturday and to 6pm on Sunday.

It will also be able to operate up to six days a week.

Planning officers had previously suggested the venue should close at 9.30pm and limited to just three performance a week.

Writer and producer Adrian Bunting, who died of cancer aged 47 in May last year, was the driving force behind the theatre.

Steve Turner, of Boat, had argued before the meeting that restricting finishing times to 9.30pm would prevent them from putting on certain performances.

The theatre will be funded by £20,000 left in Mr Bunting’s will and another £30,000 the charity has raised.

They will dig up a disused bowling green to create an auditorium capable of hosting 425 spectators.

Building could begin early next year in time for the Brighton Festival in May.

Members of Boat were unavailable to comment as they were celebrating in the pub.

A post on their Facebook said: “Success!!!! All but one relatively minor conditions waived. Thank you Brighton and Hove planning committee. We're off for a pint. Come and join us!”