Developers building homes near established music venues will be responsible for ensuring residents are not disturbed by noise, under new planning guidance.
The Scottish Government has backedthe Agent of Change principle, which will protect the country’s live music scene.
Announcing the decision, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said venues “should not have to make high cost changes or deal with expensive disputes” due to complaints from new housing developments.
A letter is now being sent to all planning authorities asking them to ensure decisions reflect the principle from now on and it will be formally included in a new version of the national planning framework which is expected to be adopted in 2020.
Last night, Craig Adams, who runs the Krakatoa live music venue and bar in Aberdeen, welcomed the news but said more needs to be done to safeguard local scenes across the country.
His establishment recently had around £250,000 worth of soundproofing work carried out to make sure neighbouring properties are not disturbed.
He said: “It’s a step in the right direction, but it only applies to new developments – not existing residents.
“So somebody new can still move into a house next door to your venue and have you shut down.
“It can happen anywhere.
“Another thing is that where an existing venue has made a significant investment in soundproofing, they should be safeguarded against noise abatement notices, and this doesn’t do that.”
James Carr, the co-owner of the Tooth and Claw bar in Inverness, said the new rule would protect live music venues.
He said: “It’s brilliant for venues up and down the country, and I’m absolutely delighted that this could help to stop further businesses being shut down.
“We need to do all we can to protect local live music wherever we can.
“To be honest, it should have been done sooner and although this is good news, it really is long overdue.”
In his announcement, Mr Stewart said: “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.
“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.”
Campaigners including Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald welcomed the new rule, which could mean housing developers have to install measures such as soundproofing in new developments to cut down on noise.
Mr Macdonald said: “The commitments given by the minister are a step in the right direction, and will benefit music venues across Scotland at risk of closure because of new developments in their vicinity.”
Geoff Ellis, chief executive of DF Concerts, said it was a “huge step in protecting Scotland’s music scene”.
UK Music chief executive 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.
Music Venue Trust strategic director Beverley Whitrick said: “Ministers have listened to the case and taken on board the fact that grassroots music venues need protection and recognition for their contribution to our towns and cities.”
