New government legislation will protect UK music venues

Music venues in the UK are set to have stronger protection as part of new government legislation.

A letter from the Department for Communities and Local Government to UK Music reveals that residential developers "will be required to seek prior approval from the local planning authority in relation to the noise impacts on new residents before a change of use from office to residential can be carried out under permitted development."

As such, from April 6, people moving into new residences near reputable, longstanding music venues will be given the option to apply for noise mitigation, rather than filing a noise complaint at a later date.

The letter, penned by MPs Brandon Lewis and James Wharton, reads: "This is a positive measure which will ensure that where the right is delivering much needed new homes, local authorities are able to protect well-established music venues from having unreasonable restrictions placed on their operations."

UK Music CEO Jo Dipple has praised the work of the Lewis and Wharton, saying: "There are times when it seems Government does not listen. When it does, and when it acts on what it hears, we should be proud of our political masters."

Mark Davyd of Music Venue Trust echoed her sentiments, claiming the revised legislation as a "major victory for the UK's music venues and music fans."

London mayor candidate Sadiq Khan has also vowed to protect London's nightlife if he's elected in May. He said last week he'd introduce an 'Agent for Change' to prevent the loss of clubs, pubs and live music venues.

This news also falls in line with today's announcement that the Night Tube is expected to partly launch in August, with a full roll out in September.

Dave Turner is Mixmag's Digital News Editor, follow him on Twitter