Legal News
Housing Rules Strengthened in order to Protect Music Venues and their Neighbours (25 January 2018)
Date: 25/01/2018
According to Housing Secretary, Sajid Javid MP, housing developers should be responsible for addressing noise issues.
An ever-increasing number of late night venues and community sports clubs are being forced to make high-cost changes when new residents move into the area in a bid to control neighbourhood noise and prevent complaints from new neighbours. Mr Javid is committed to working closely with the music industry in order to help strengthen current policies.
National Planning Police Framework, which local authorities are legally bound to comply with, will be reviewed to include detailed references to the ‘Agent of Change Principle’.
The proposed changes by Mr Javid would mean that developers will be responsible for identifying and solving any sound issues, if granted permission to build. This, in theory, will prevent music venues, sports clubs and even churches encountering expensive problems when dealing with neighbourly complaints.
Mr Javid said;
“Music venues play a vital role in our communities...I have always thought it unfair that the burden is on long-standing music venues to solve noise issues when property developers choose to build nearby. I am pleased to finally have an opportunity to right this wrong and also give more peace of mind to new residents moving into local properties.”
The proposed changes have strong backing from the music industry including UK Music and the Music Venue Trust with Michael Dugher, UK Music’s Chief Executive saying;
“We are delighted the government is supporting Agent of Change and strengthening the rules to protect grassroots music venues. This is excellent news for the live music industry.”
Dianne Cowie, Housing Director at Duncan Lewis comments on the developments;
“The proposed changes come as welcome news. The lives of too many tenants and residents are blighted by noise nuisance issues that should have long been resolved between the developer and existing businesses. We are currently in the strange situation where residents have to suffer before action is taken on easily identifiable sound insulation issues. By increasing developers responsibilities, hopefully the reforms will incentivises them to nip any noise issues in the bud, well before anyone moves in.”
For expert housing advice, contact Dianne Cowie on 02070147339 or email her at diannec@duncanlewis.com
Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors
If you have neighbours whose behaviour is disruptive and having a negative impact on your life, and attempts to discuss the issue with them have been unsuccessful, Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors may be able to help. Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors can guide clients in any matter or issues arising with local housing authorities, housing applications, tenants, landlords, ownership and repairs. The Duncan Lewis housing team specialises in representation in all social housing proceedings including reviews, appeals and judicial review relating to homelessness, disrepair, succession for tenants and neighbourhood disputes against local authorities.
If you have any housing related queries or require representation please do not hesitate to contact our team of expert solicitors on 0333 772 0409.