Thousands of music lovers last year backed a campaign in Cardiff to “Save Womanby St” when there were fears that an application to built flats next to the iconic Clwb Ifor Bach could lead to a reduction in opening hours.
Welsh MPs are now pushing to ensure that the type of protection for live music venues that has been introduced in Wales will also apply in England.
Cardiff Central MP Jo Stevens and Cardiff West’s Kevin Brennan – a member of the parliamentary rock band MP4 – are backing a Bill that would roll-out in England a measure to protect music venues that has been introduced in Wales.
Cardiff West’s Mr Brennan said: “The ‘Save Womanby Street’ campaign was started in Cardiff by a group of passionate members of the public determined to protect grass roots music in our city. Their passion sparked interest and campaigning across the UK.”
“The Scottish Government, the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, and now the UK Government are all considering following the Welsh Government’s pledge to adopt the Agent of Change principle into planning law. This is an important step in helping to protect music venues because it will put the onus on property developers to protect new residential buildings from noise and rather than loading the costs and bureaucracy onto existing music venues, often forcing their closure.
“With 30 million people attending UK music events last year, it’s vital we have the music venues available for the nation to continue our love of live music and grow the talent of the future.”
Read in full at WalesOnline here.
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