Music venues across Scotland are to receive protection from property developers following a campaign by owners, musicians and promoters.
Homes built near live music venues will have to be properly soundproofed, as new guidance has been issued to local authorities by the Scottish Government.
Scottish housing minister Kevin Stewart has said that venues “should not have to make high-cost changes or deal with expensive disputes” caused by complaints from those building new housing developments.
The national planning framework, expected to be adopted in 2020, will include the new advice.
The minister added: “The Scottish Government recognises the significant cultural and economic contribution of our music industry.
“It is only right we do what we can to protect the established and emerging musical talent and that is why we are embedding the agent of change principle in our planning guidance.
“I have asked the chief planner to write to all planning authorities asking them to act now.
“Music venues should not have to make high-cost changes or deal with expensive disputes because of new developments.”
He added: “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 our music venues to continue to operate.”
The news has been welcomed by the music industry, who have seen famous gig locations such as Edinburgh’s Venue and Studio24 being forced to close as a result of previous developments.
DF Concerts’ Geoff Ellis said of the ruling: “Today’s news that the agent of change principle will be adopted into Scottish planning policy is a huge step in protecting Scotland’s live music scene.
“It removes a crippling threat that loomed over our music venues for too long.”
Chief executive of industry group UK Music Michael Dugher added: “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.
“We are delighted the Scottish Government has thrown its support behind our agent of change plan and is toughening the rules to protect grassroots music venues. It’s a tremendous boost for the live music industry.”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.