News / Arts
‘We’re proud of our campaign’
Despite gaining national recognition for their attempts to fight housing increases around music venues – a movement which ultimately changed UK law – Chris Sharp says the Fleece still can’t escape their current predicament.
After a nearby office building recieved planning permission to transform into apartments, the Fleece campaigned to raise awareness of the problems that housing poses to music venues.
“There are obvious problems with residents complaining about the noise,” says Chris. “Obviously, music venues are usually in city centres and surrounded by office buildings.
is needed now More than ever
“When the day is over, everyone leaves the offices, and then that’s when the noise starts at the music venues. But now, with offices being turned into housing, you’re going to get noise complaints from the residents.
“I’ve got no problem with turning offices into flats, but not next to music venues without soundproofing well.”
For nearly three years, The Fleece has been fighting to make it more difficult for builders to receive planning permission for flats in buildings near music venues, with even The Fleece even mentioned in a debate at the House of Commons.
As of April 6, their campaign will officially be a success.
From that date, UK builders hoping to construct housing must have a local planning authority approve the level of noise in the area and assess its impact on future residents.
“It’s great news for the UK music scene,” says Chris. “We’re proud that our campaign ended up benefiting the whole UK music scene. It’s giving protection to music venues.”
However, Chris points out that the new law will only affect future planning permissions, and therefore won’t change the Fleece’s current situation.
“It’s impossible to predict what will happen. We’re increasing our soundproofing.
“The irony is that the venue that was doing the most to change the law is being left out in the cold.”
Read more: New petition to help save Fleece