Boris Johnson has agreed to consider changing London’s planning rules to protect live music venues from new residential developments.
Music fans are concerned that venues could be threatened by the construction of new homes, especially where their proximity could lead to complaints about loud noise.
Such fears were at the centre of a row earlier this year between the Ministry of Sound and developers Oakmayne which was seeking planning approval for new flats near the club.
Permission was eventually given only after Oakmayne agreed to change the flats’ design to improve sound insulation.
Campaigners want similar arrangements to become a standard part of the capital’s planning regulations so that developers would always have to pay for any soundproofing deemed necessary when building near an existing music venue.
Likewise, if a new music venue opened in a residential area, the venue would be responsible for the cost.
Responding to a question from Green party London Assembly member Darren Johnson last week, the Mayor agreed to consider adopting the proposal.
Assembly Member Johnson said: “I strongly welcome the Mayor’s positive reaction to my suggestion. This as an important step towards protecting live music venues in our capital that have been threatened by a flurry of threats to their existence.
“I am meeting with the Mayor’s cultural team this week to discuss these issues in more detail and look forward to taking further steps towards bringing about this change in planning policy that would ensure London remains a vibrant cultural hub for years to come.”
