The Music Venue Trust, designed to protect the UK live music network, has reported agreed changes to the UK planning law legislation that helps to support the continued success of live music venues.
From the 6th April 2016 planning authorities will be mandated to consider noise impact from existing businesses before altering the use of a nearby building. Whereas in the past offices have been converted into housing who have in turn complained about the noise of pre-existing venues in the local area, this will now need to be considered in advance.
As the Music Venue Trust puts it: “In short – you can’t change offices to flats any more if a music venue is nearby, developers will need to work with the local authority and the music venue to ensure that live music is protected.”
“We warmly welcome this breakthrough for the UK’s grassroots music venues,” says Mark Davyd of Music Venue Trust. “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.”
The Music Venue Trust acknowledge that this isn’t the full end result they are campaigning towards, but that it’s a big step in the right direction. The full response, shared on Facebook, can be seen below:
Today, UK Music, Music Venue Trust and Musicians’ Union welcome new Government legislation to protect music venues in…
Posted by Music Venue Trust on Monday, March 14, 2016