A borough council has refuted claims it is using "bully boy tactics" in a row over a 450-seat theatre built without planning permission. 

Fareham Borough Council has defended itself after issuing a planning notice against Titchfield Festival Theatre for its £1.7m Arden complex behind its existing theatre on St Margaret's Lane. 

Titchfield Festival Theatre says the building could be built without the consent of planning officers, but this is disputed by the council which has issued a notice requiring it to close by February 29. 

Kevin Fraserm, artistic director at the company, said it will "resist these bully boy tactics to try and destroy something that is only good for the general population".

But leisure and community boss at the council, Cllr Sue Walker, said: "I find it extraordinary that the Council are being demonised for upholding laws which are put in place to protect people, the local environment and ensure visitor’s safety."

Concerns over the lack of parking at the new theatre were first raised with the council in May.

When council officers visited the site, they were told that work was already underway. 

Officers warned the company that, without appropriate planning permission, the venue was at risk of enforcement action being taken. 

Despite this, no planning application was submitted and work continued with various public performances taking place since.

Cllr Walker added: "The Titchfield Festival Theatre is a tremendous asset to the Borough and its original operation is not in contention.

"The Council is supportive of more community facilities, theatres and opportunities for people to get involved in productions within Fareham. The more the merrier, in my view.

"I sincerely hope that in the future the operators of Titchfield Festival Theatre will engage in open and constructive dialogue in advance of any new works being undertaken."

The development includes a newly excavated underground orchestra pit beneath the stage and a complex of backstage changing rooms and rehearsal areas. 

It has been created in a space which has planning permission to be used for storage purposes only. 

The existing theatre also includes the Oak Theatre and Acorn Studio which has been on the site for more than a decade and is not part of the dispute.

Titchfield Festival Theatre has two days to lodge an appeal with the Secretary of State.

The company was already prosecuted by the council earlier this year for hosting a number of unauthorised weddings at The Great Barn.