MP John Spellar wins Government support in bid to save music venues

Sajid Javid, the Housing Secretary, said he would work with the music industry to improve planning policy.

It followed a campaign led by Warley's Labour MP John Spellar that was backed by stars including Sir Paul McCartney and Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason.

The campaign highlighted the threat to grassroots music clubs and gig venues, which have been forced to close owing to noise complaints by new residents.

Mr Javid said in future there would be a responsibility on property developers to identify and solve potential sound problems when building near to music venues.

“Music venues play a vital role in our communities, bringing people together and contributing to the local economy and supporting the country’s grass roots music culture,” he said.

“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.”

Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson, the MP for West Bromwich East, said: "It is great news that John Spellar's campaign is being backed by the Government.

"It is a huge victory for venues, artists and music lovers."

He added that the campaign had 'mobilised the whole of the UK’s music industry to call for change – and it won'.

Michael Dugher, a former Labour MP who is chief executive of industry body UK Music, said the changes were 'excellent news for the live music industry'.

Under the plans, the Government will amend national planning policy to make sure decisions 'take account of existing businesses and other organisations, such as churches, community pubs and music venues, when locating new development nearby and, where necessary, to mitigate the impact of noise and other potential nuisances arising from existing development'.

Mr Spellar tabled a private members’ bill on issue last week.

He said: "Given that Ministers have shown a willingness to engage seriously with the music industry to deliver a legally binding Agent of Change principle, I am – with the agreement of cross-party co-sponsors – putting my bill on hold."

The Music Venue Trust also welcomed the Government’s move.

“Too many of our music venues have been lost to poor developments that haven’t recognised the cultural importance of grassroots music venues,” a spokesman said.

“We look forward to working with the government to ensure that these new measures provide robust protection, which presents clear guidelines for developers and local authorities.”