Industry News

Venue-friendly ‘agent of change’ principle now adopted

Local councils have been urged to adopt new planning rules designed to protect live music venues after the so-called ‘agent of change’ principle came into force.

Michael Dugher, the chief executive of campaign group UK Music, wrote to the chair of the Local Government Association (LGA) after the government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which includes the agent of change rule, was introduced on July 24.

Local authorities are legally bound to comply with the NPPF, meaning all planning committees must consider the principle – which requires property developers to take into account pre-existing businesses, like music venues, before proceeding with a project – when making decisions on applications and in framing their own planning policy.

The agent of change principle effectively means property developers rather than existing premises, such as music venues, are responsible for ensuring new dwellings are protected from factors, such as noise.

Dugher said: “The introduction of agent of change in the NPPF marks a pivotal moment in the fight to protect under threat music venues. The government is to be congratulated for taking this decisive step.

“Too often music venues have been the victims of developers. This new law will help ensure music venues can continue to grow audiences and develop talent, contributing significantly to our £1bn live music industry.

“This has been a long-fought battle and it is vital that local authorities back it to save live music.

“There is now no excuse for local authorities for not stepping in to protect grassroots music venues.”

The government adopted the agent of change principle after UK Music and a host of artists, such as Paul McCartney, backed MP John Spellar’s Planning (Agent of Change) Bill earlier this year.

Spellar said: “I am delighted that the government has listened to concerns expressed by MPs and the music industry about the fate of music venues across the country, and has fulfilled its commitment to introduce the agent of change principle in the new National Planning Policy Framework by summer recess.

“This is great news for musicians and music lovers whose voice has been loud and has now been heard. Local authorities must now make use of these vital tools to support our world leading music creativity throughout our towns, cities and communities.”