Housing developers are to be held responsible for addressing noise issues if they are building homes near music venues, the government has said.
The National Planning Policy Framework will be clarified to include detailed reference to the Agent of Change principle. This would mean that if developers are granted permission to build near music venues, they would be responsible for identifying and solving any sound problems.
It is hoped this change will prevent late-night venues being forced into making costly changes after new residents move into the area, as well as prevent noise complaints being made against premises that are hosting live music.
The move has been welcomed by UK Music, which has been campaigning to get the Agent of Change principle into law and won the support of leading musicians including Sir Paul McCartney and Chrissie Hynde.
Chief Executive Michael Dugher said the change in the law is “excellent news” for the live music industry and will help protect grassroots music venues.
He argued that music makes a “huge contribution” to the country, as it contributes £4.4 billion to the economy and brings enjoyment to millions of people.
However, he stressed that supporting grassroots venues is “key to maintaining the UK’s vibrant and diverse music scene, as well as ensuring we have the talent pipeline to maintain Britain’s position as a global force in music”.
Sajid Javid, the housing secretary, said it is unfair that the burden is on longstanding music venues to solve noise issues when property developers opt to build homes nearby.
As a result, he is “pleased to finally have an opportunity to right this wrong and also give more peace of mind to new residents moving into local properties”.
Mr Javid added that 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”.
For further information on any of the points raised in this article please contact Robert Botkai in our Commercial Real Estate and Licensing department.