Noise row as new flats next to music pub are approved
Owner fears for future of popular venue
PLANS for 29 flats next to a Digbeth pub have been approved, despite the venue owner’s fears about the impact of complaints on live music. Birmingham City Council’s planning committee voted to approve an application from Tindlesouth Ltd for the five-storey block at Moseley Street, Digbeth.
The new development will be next door to Cleary’s Irish Pub, which opens until 3am on weekend nights and hosts live music including rock bands and Irish music.
Owner Patrick Naughton previously said he fears potential noise complaints from new tenants in the property could put his licence at risk of review.
The building, designed by Sjolander da Cruz Architects, has been reconfigured so there are no windows on the side facing the pub, and noise mitigation techniques are in place.
It sits on a patch of land occupied by a vacant, single-storey industrial building previously used as a vehicle repair workshop. Speaking at the meeting, committee member Cllr Gareth Moore said: “I do have some serious concerns in relation to this application, particularly around the noise aspects.
“Clearly this is an application which is proposed to go next to an adjacent late-night pub.
“From the objections raised, apparently this pub is already subjected to complaints about noise from properties further away.
“The likelihood is if there is adjacent residential use, that is going to have further noise complaints given the proximity to it.”
He also raised concerns around the weight that heritage aspects were given in the report from officers.
Cllr Simon Morrall said: “Noise pollution and the night-time economy should always be strongly looked at, especially when you are inside the city centre. It should be a safe space for these type of premises. Previously this land was used for commercial use.
“Had there been some sort of commercial element to this development I think that probably would have been better than a purpose-built property right next to it. You can’t just think about the music, you have to look at taxis and other kinds of things happening.”
An officer said noise readings were completed on St Patrick’s Day – thought to be “the most noisy time” the premises are used – and that this had been taken into account in the recommendation for approval.
The officer said it was not thought the development would have any impact on the historic interest or setting of nearby buildings including the Rowton Hotel. The committee voted eight to four in favour of the application subject to conditions as well as an agreement ensuring £58,000 is paid by the applicants towards offsite affordable housing. Mr Naughton thanked councillors who had spoken in support of the pub and said: “I am very disappointed with the outcome. The future does not look too bright. “The reason crowds come to Cleary’s is because of the live music. With today’s decision, it’s going to jeopardise that.”