New legislation that will require developers to take into account existing music venues before converting a building to residential use, has been approved.
The Music Venue Trust and the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers both welcomed the move but said it still did not go far enough towards the agent of change of principle.
An amendment to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2016 means that from 6 April, developers will be required to seek prior approval on noise impacts before a change of use from an office to residential building can be carried out.
Mark Davyd of 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. This is a major victory for the UK’s music venues and music fans. The fight to protect, secure and improve them goes on.”
ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “This is an encouraging step forward and a most welcome step towards introducing the Agent of Change principle. The decision will mean that local authorities will obliged to factor-in the presence of existing venues that have fallen by the wayside for too long.
“Music venues are an integral part of the UK’s licensed hospitality sector and a keystone of the late-night offer in particular. We are rightly very proud of this country’s musical prowess but our best musicians need a place to perform and to hone their craft.
“This development provides a measure of security for venues that are crucial breeding-grounds for musicians and artists as well as vital employers and social outlets within their communities. It also gives us a compromise for towns and cities that are also in need of new housing, without undermining licensed hospitality.”
