Music industry campaigners have welcomed changes to planning legislation, which will require developers to seek prior approval on noise impacts before a change in use is carried out.
UK Music, Music Venue Trust and Musicians’ Union have warned that music venues were being put under increasing pressure due to noise complaints from residents once they moved into a converted office space.
The campaigners highlight the fact that 35% of grassroots music venues in London have closed in the past eight years, while 50% of music venues in Bristol have been affected by noise or planning issues.
Ministers have now written to CEO of UK Music, Jo Dipple, saying the Government will now update planning guidance on noise that highlights the potential of new residential developments on live music venues.
Mark Davyd, CEO of the Music Venue Trust said: 'We warmly welcome this breakthrough for the UK's grassroots music venues. This common sense move by the government provides an opportunity for local authorities to use their powers to ensure that live music continues to play a vital economic, cultural and social role in our towns and cities.
'For music venues, this has never been about stopping development or preventing the creation of much needed new housing; it's always been about ensuring that new development recognises the culture, economy and vibrancy of city centres by building great housing, enabling existing music venues and new residents to live in harmony.'
