Campaigners claim victory over threat to music venues
Developers will be forced to soundproof nearby homes in future
Property developers will be ordered to ensure homes built near live music venues across Scotland are properly soundproofed in future following a campaign by industry owners, managers and promoters.
New guidance has been issued to local authorities by the Scottish Government to ensure greater protection for existing businesses when neighbouring sites are snapped up.
Ministers had been under growing pressure to act over planning rules which meant the onus was on the operators of a venue to ensure nearby neighbours are not disturbed, even if the venue has been running for years.
Demands increased last month when it emerged the UK government had agreed to adopt the ‘Agent of Change’ principle, saying long-standing regulations put an “unfair burden” on the operators of live music venues.
The Scottish Government said the new guidance recognised “the cultural and economic contribution of Scotland’s music industry, as well as the importance of live music to the vibrancy of our town centres and to our nighttime economy”.
However, the operators of new venues will be responsible for ensuring appropriate soundproofing is in place.
Housing minister Kevin Stewart said chief planner John Mcnairney has asked every local authority to “act now” on the new guidelines.
Mr Stewart added: “We recognise the significant cultural and economic contribution of our music industry.
“Music venues shouldn’t have to make high-cost changes or deal with expensive disputes because of new developments. Developers will be responsible for identifying and solving any potential issues with noise, giving residents of new homes a better quality of life and allowing venues to continue to operate.”
Geoff Ellis, chief executive of promoter DF Concerts, said: “The news is a huge step in protecting Scotland’s live music scene. It removes a crippling threat that loomed over music venues for too long.”
Michael Dugher, chief executive of UK Music, the industry body, said: “This is a landmark victory for all those who fought so hard to safeguard the future of music venues in Scotland and across the UK – from grassroots community activists to global music stars who have spent years calling for Agent of Change.”
Caroline Sewell, regional organiser for the Musicians’ Union in Scotland, said: “This is a real victory for the live music sector in what are already precarious times.”