Developers must address noise issues near music venues, Javid says
Developers building homes near music venues should be responsible for addressing noise issues, housing secretary Sajid Javid has said.
Strengthened planning rules will protect music venues and their neighbours, in a joint move between the government and the music industry, Mr Javid announced today.
Developers would be tasked with identifying and solving sound problems, and to avoid music venues, sports clubs and churches running into expensive issues due to complaints from new neighbours.
Currently, late night venues and community sports clubs are often forced to make costly changes when residents move into their area.
A new ‘Agent of Change’ principle will be added to the National Planning Policy Framework to amend this, which will be consulted on in spring.
Mr Javid said: “Music venues play a vital role in our communities, bringing people together and contributing to the local economy and supporting the country’s grassroots music culture.
“I have always thought it unfair that the burden is on long-standing music venues to solve noise issues when property developers choose to build nearby.
“That’s why I consulted on this in February last year as part of the Housing White Paper. I am pleased to finally have an opportunity to right this wrong and also give more peace of mind to new residents moving into local properties.”
The government consulted on a proposal to give greater emphasis to the matter in national planning policy as part of the Housing White Paper, published on 7 February 2017.
Housing association Peabody created controversy over plans to build homes on the site of the Ministry of Sound nightclub in May 2016.
The association initially agreed to provide a new venue for the nightclub as part of the plans, but backed down on the proposal, sparking a row with Ministry of Sound’s owners.
The existing nightclub was not on the site of the proposed development, but a residential scheme in such close proximity to the club would have meant it was in breach of local licensing requirements.
