We Khan Work it Out

London Mayor Sadiq Khan (pictured) has vowed to protect London’s historic buildings, potentially including music venues, from developers by introducing new planning rules.

The Mayor recently said that he is planning to adopt the much talked about ‘Agent of Change’ principle, meaning that an individual or business responsible for change must also manage the impact of the change; for example, developers building flats near existing venues will be responsible for soundproofing. Agent of Change has been tested out in Australia, resulting in a more considered approach to planning and new developments.

This follows a public petition to save Mayfair’s Curzon Cinema, which is under threat following a dispute with developers over soundproofing. The petition was signed by over 25,000 people, promoting Khan to tell the Evening Standard: “I intend to protect venues like the Curzon Mayfair by introducing an Agent of Change rule into the next London Plan. That would mean developers building flats near existing venues will need to ensure that residents are not unduly affected by sound from the venue, and that may include paying for soundproofing”.

In related news, the Music Venues Trust has announced further details of its ‘Fightback’ gig, taking place at The Roundhouse in London on 18th October, with a line up including Everything Everything and Public Service Broadcasting. The proceeds of the gig will go towards setting upMVT’s ‘Emergency response service’ for grassroots venues. Find out more and get tickets here.

In addition, a date is now set for Fabric nightclub to appeal against the recent revocation of itslicense. The hearing is due to take place at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on 28th November.