The Mayor of London has recently unveiled his draft London Plan, which aims to protect music venues, historic buildings and pubs with soundproofing measures.
Included in the draft is the Agent of Change principle, which will ensure developers building residential spaces next to music venues are responsible for soundproofing. Developers will have to consider how to manage noise impact, or, “boroughs will have to refuse proposals”.
In a Facebook statement, Khan said, “I intend to protect venues like the Curzon Mayfair by introducing an ‘Agent Of Change’ rule into the next London Plan. Developers would be responsible for ensuring their new developments don’t threaten the future of existing venues.”
“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.”
“I’m very pleased to hear that Westminster Council included this principle when the planning application was first submitted in 2013, and are taking the necessary steps to protect a cinema which makes a significant contribution to the character of the area and is a real cultural gem.”
According to the Guardian, over half of London’s live music venues have closed since 2007. A statement from Khan’s press office reveals that, since 2001, London pubs have fallen in number by a quarter.