Persimmon Homes Severn Valley has donated £1,000 to the Backwell Playhouse theatre as part of its Community Champions initiative.

The five-star housebuilder’s donation will support the theatre’s plays, dance recitals, musical performances, films and presentations that the Playhouse hosts all-year round.

Persimmon Homes Severn Valley’s Community Champions scheme donates £24,000 each year to community organisations and causes in the areas where it develops.

The Backwell Playhouse is a charity, run by a dedicated team of local volunteers, that aims to advance the education of the public in the Arts, in particular the Arts of Drama and Literature.

Located in Backwell, Persimmon Homes Severn Valley recently secured planning permission for 90 high-quality homes for local people on land at Fairleigh Fields. As part of Persimmon’s commitment to the local community, 27 of these homes will be transferred to a local housing association, helping alleviate pressure on the Council’s 2,600-strong housing waiting list.

Once complete, the development will deliver public open space, an ecological buffer, an equipped play area, ecological enhancements as part of the Wildlife Area within the adjacent Local Green Space, and financial contributions for bus stop improvements, sustainable travel, improvements to existing public rights of way crossing the local green space, a car club, and a Community Infrastructure Levy payment of over £500,000.

Beatrice Hooper, Secretary at Backwell Playhouse, thanked Persimmon for their donation, saying:

"Thank you to Persimmon for their generous donation. As a charity run by local volunteers, support like Persimmon's is vital for ensuring we can continue to host plays, dance recitals, music performances, films and presentations for the local community. It is fantastic to have the local housebuilder supporting community organisations like Backwell Playhouse."

Carly Spear, Sales Director at Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, added:

"We are delighted to be able to support the Backwell Playhouse. The Playhouse plays an important role within the local community, bringing people together and hosting events throughout the year.

“Our Community Champions scheme is all about giving back to the areas where we operate, and as a prominent housebuilder in the area, we are committed to leaving a positive legacy for local communities."