Newcastle residents living north of the River Tyne have called on Gateshead Council to reject plans for two music events at Gateshead International Stadium later this month, with thousands of potential attendees.
Concerns have been raised over an entertainment and alcohol licence application for two music events at Throwers Field, part of Gateshead International Stadium, on October 30 and October 31. The application, from Lab3 Events Ltd, seeks permission for music and alcohol from 4:30pm to 11pm on the first day and from 1:30pm to 11pm on the second, with up to 3,500 people attending each event.
Previous events spark objections
The firm’s application states this would mark the third year of holding such events at this location and “from past experience, all has gone very well, and the liaison and collaboration with responsible authorities worked exceptionally well.” However, objectors have cited concerns sparked by earlier music events, including ones held at the Stadium on September 25 and September 26 this year. A Newcastle City councillor also sent in his concerns based on the previous events.
Councillor for Byker ward Nick Hartley submitted: “…I was directly affected by the noise from the site. Music was clearly audible from my home for significant periods of the event, continuing until 11pm. The noise was intrusive. “This was not an isolated experience. I was contacted by numerous residents in St Peter’s Basin and the wider Byker area reporting similar disturbance.”
Residents report noise disturbance
A St Peter’s Basin resident wrote: “I have lived at thís address for 20 years and we are used to the occasional concert at Gateshead Stadium without objection. I am objecting to this particular application as a result of the experience of the weekend 25/26 September, which has the same profile as the event to which thís application relates.” Another stated: “I live opposite the stadium in St. Peter’s Basin and last weekend had to endure two days of incessant noise with the Accelerate event being held over the river. I have already complained over that event as to how often the noise level was checked, as the decibel level was so high I had to close all my windows and doors.”
In response to the submissions and on behalf of the applicant, Licence Leader Ltd stated the September events were operated with a “comprehensive system of sound monitoring and regulation” fully compliant with the guidelines and requirements. It went on to state the sound levels in September did not “at any time” reach the proposed limit within local authority guidance for amplified music events in urban stadiums.
Applicant pledges to address concerns
Licence Leader went on to state that the applicant is seeking to work with environmental health to agree sound monitoring, ensure sound levels remain within agreed levels, respond promptly to concerns, and consider “any complaints” during the proposed event and take action where necessary. Part of the representation’s conclusion states: “The applicant takes the representations received from residents seriously and is committed to continuing to work constructively with both Gateshead Council and Newcastle City Council.”
Gateshead Council’s licensing sub-committee will convene on Thursday, October 22 at 9:30am at the Civic Centre to decide on the application.
