A think tank has urged Andy Burnham to classify pubs and clubs as 'cultural assets' alongside opera houses to protect them from being shut down by Nimbys. The Good Growth Foundation has proposed a new 'Asset of Cultural Value' planning category and the creation of cultural districts to give venues protection from closure and business rate relief.
Proposals for cultural districts
Under the proposals, if a venue is within a legally recognised cultural district, noise complaints would no longer default to bureaucratic back-and-forth. Instead, the burden of proof would be placed on complainants to show conditions have changed. The proposals also include an 'Eyes Wide Open' clause in rental and sales agreements, forcing new residents to recognise they are signing up to live in a noisier area.
Housing developers who fail to install proper sound-proofing would be forced to pay, and nearby developments would have to be assessed to ensure no impact on the venue. This includes assessing whether new residential buildings could lead to noise complaints against nearby pubs.
Protection for village pubs
The last pub in every village should also be given an English-heritage style blue plaque to signal its protection. The campaign follows years of nightlife across London and the UK being eroded by Nimbys.
Report findings
The proposals form part of the GGF's new report, 'Don't Stop the Music: Protecting Britain's right to joy and the nights that shape us'. Lord Tom Watson, writing the foreword, said: 'We have seen in cities such as Manchester what happens when local leaders recognise the potential of the sector. Nightlife can help bring a town or city centre back to life. It creates buzz, supports jobs, gives young people a reason to stay, and sends a powerful signal that this is a place where things happen.'
Praful Nargund, Director of The Good Growth Foundation, said: 'If you move into an area famous for pubs, clubs and live music, you should do so with your eyes open to the fact that there will be more noise rather than expect to use complaints and litigation to silence the culture that was already there. Otherwise a vocal minority is able to wage a war on fun against the venues and neighbourhoods that give British towns and cities their energy. These locations are good for growth and good for our ability to have fun. The right to joy, community and a great night out should not be surrendered to people who want lively places to become lifeless.'
