
Music / campaign
New petition to help save Fleece
The Fleece has been a staple part of the Bristol music scene for more than three decades and has recently been fighting plans to turn nearby offices into residential flats.
Owners were concerned it would open them up to noise complaints from new residents in the flats and last year celebrated a planning victory when the developers were told they would need to install soundproofing and windows which could not open on the side which overlooks the Fleece.
The developer is now appealing against this decision and once more, the Fleece faces the risk of closure if this appeal is upheld. After a successful initial petition which attracted widespread support and a mention in the House of Commons, thanks to Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy, they have now launched a second petition.
is needed now More than ever
Addressed to communities secretary Eric Pickles, the petition has already attracted thousands of signatures.
Fleece owner Chris Sharp said: “London developer Edenlaw Ltd has appealed to the Secretary Of State seeking openable windows in proposed new flats directly opposite The Fleece live music venue.
“We strongly object to this (and so does Bristol City Council. Recent changes were made to national planning policy which requires the sound insulation of the building envelope to be optimised for new residences near live music venues so we believe it is vital that the proposed flats which face The Fleece have fixed shut windows. This case has now become the first test of this new national policy.”
To sign the petition, click here.
See here for an interview with Fleece owner Chris Sharp.