The day’s Ten Minute Rule Bill has been proposed by Labour MP John Spellar – the parliamentary representative for Warley – who has stepped up for the country’s live music scene with a bill to provide planning protection for its venues.
In line with the agent-of-change principle that the person or business responsible for a change is then responsible for managing the impact of said change, Spellar is proposing that if property developers looking to build near a live music venue have concerns about noise emitted from said venue they should be the ones to pay for any insulation or other noise mitigating measures.
Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers' (ALMR) chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “A UK-wide adoption of the agent-of-change principle would be a pragmatic and positive move that would secure the status of our hugely important music venues and nightclubs.
“As a country, we are fiercely proud of our world-class musical talent and our history of producing musical pioneers and innovators. Should music venues continue to be placed at risk by developers, this talent will have nowhere to flourish. Venues are crucial parts of local communities and fantastic cultural and economic assets.
“Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has already included the principle in the Draft London Plan, recognising the value of London’s music venues and the significant damage that would be done should they close. We are urging MPs to support the principle to secure the future of music venues across the UK.”
British Beer and Pub Association' (BBPA) chief executive Brigid Simmonds commented: “It is great to see this issue being pushed up the agenda, thanks to John Spellar who along with the Bill’s other sponsors are strong supporters of the Great British pub. I hope the Government will take up the issue as the bill moves on to its next stage.
“It is vital that community pubs are not placed under threat by new housing developments, where new residents may complain about noise from premises which have been there for hundreds of years.
“The Mayor of London has also given his firm support for this principle in his new planning guidance and his late-night vision for London, as this is so important for venues in urban areas. We will continue to work with MPs, the London Mayor, the Night Czar, and all others who support this proposal.”
After being proposed John Spellar MP on 10 January, the bill has been given approval by the House of Commons and has progressed to a second reading on 19 January.