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New report from the UK Parliament Culture, Media and Sport Committee found that noise complaints are contributing to the loss of grassroots music venues
A report was published last week by the UK Parliament Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
Approximately 22% of the 148 lost venues last year closed due to operational issues, including noise abatement orders and/or other neighbour disputes.
The report emphasizes the importance of grassroots music venues in the live music ecosystem.
The inquiry explored the ongoing crisis, specific issues faced and considered interventions to prevent further venue closures.
The inquiry considered the "agent of change principle."
The music industry welcomes the introduction of the "agent of change principle."
The music industry is concerned that the "agent of change principle" is not being consistently applied across the country.
The report recommends putting the "agent of change principles" on a statutory footing at the earliest opportunity.
External resources
A report published last week by the UK Parliament Culture, Media and Sport Committee found that noise complaints are contributing to the loss of grassroots music venues. A short inquiry exploring the issue revealed that of the 148 venues lost last year, approximately 22% closed due to operational issues, including noise abatement orders and/or other neighbour disputes. The report emphasises the importance of these venues as part of the live music ecosystem, providing a platform for up-and-coming bands and music professionals, as well as space for rehearsals, education, social programmes and other cultural productions. The enquiry set out to explore the ongoing crisis, specific issues faced and consider interventions that will prevent further venue closures. It found the introduction of the agent of change principle (which puts the obligation on developers to protect the operations of existing business), has been welcomed by the music industry, but they are concerned that it is not being consistently applied across the country.
The report states "Despite the welcome introduction of the agent of change principles, venues are still facing a widespread risk of closures due to planning and redevelopment-related issues. We recommend that the agent of change principles are put on a statutory footing at the earliest opportunity."
The Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure (DfI) have consulted on their round 4 Road Noise Action Plan covering 2023 – 28.
Government response to the Environmental Audit Committee Inquiry into Airport Expansion and Climate and nature targets noise recommendations
Considerations of noise and soundscape are embedded in the Natural Resources Wales State of Natural Resources Report 2025.
Outcome of Welsh Government consultation on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps.
A report commissioned by the Department for Business and Industrial Strategy to look at assessment of noise from onshore wind farms is now published.
The Welsh Government are consulting on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps(ASHP).
The Government are seeking views on proposals for changes to the planning process for national infrastructure projects.
As part of their ongoing enquiry into the impact of airport expansion on climate and nature targets, the Environmental Audit Committee will be taking oral evidence tomorrow - Wednesday May 14th.
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