Retail body backs venue legislation

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has welcomed the new legislation designed to safeguard music venues in England.

An amendment to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2016 means that planning authorities will have to have regard for existing music venues when looking to convert business buildings into residential space.

ALMR chief executive Kate Nicholls, commented: “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.”

From 6th April, local planning authorities will have to consider noise impacts on new residents from existing businesses under an amended permitted development right.

Permitted development rights have been extended in recent years and allow developments to take place without the need to go through the full planning system. The new regulations mean developers are now required to seek prior approval on noise impacts before a change of use from an office to residential building can be carried out.  It means offices can’t be changed to flats any more if a music venue is nearby; developers will need to take into consideration the needs of the venue to ensure that live music is protected.