SALISBURY Playhouse has been given the green light to expand its theatre in the Maltings.

The theatre's request to acquire a triangular piece of land directly in front of the restaurant area has been given approval in principle by Salisbury district council's city area committee.

The council's willingness to sell the land means the Playhouse can take the first major step of building a new rehearsal area and community meeting room.

The meeting room could double as an education area within the theatre, which would be available to local community groups.

Architects have been commissioned to do a feasibility study of the theatre's proposals.

The theatre's executive director, Rebecca Morland, said plans were at an early stage.

"We're pleased that the council has agreed in principle to allow this land to be used, as it is the only space around the Playhouse that offers such scope," she said.