Grass-roots Music Venues

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering Excerpts

Monday 26th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Clement-Jones (LD)]

My Lords—

[Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Con)]

My Lords—

[Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Con)]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

I am grateful for the support that the right reverend Prelate set out in his question. I assure him that that will be responded to very shortly.

[Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Con)]

The Minister will be aware that music venues contribute hugely to growth, particularly in market towns and cities, and that the night-time economy suffered greatly during Covid. Will he discuss with his colleagues the impact that the agent of change principle is having, especially when it is not followed to the letter, where poorly soundproofed residential developments are built in close proximity to an existing music venue? It can force a music venue to close down, despite it being very popular.

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

I will absolutely do what the noble Baroness asks. The Government have heard exactly what she said: that the existing policy to mitigate the impact of development on existing activities, including live music, is not always applied effectively. The creative industries sector plan committed to improving the implementation of the agent of change principle. MHCLG’s current consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework proposes that the policy be more explicit about the matters to be considered, such as both the current and permitted levels of activity within existing uses, which includes licensing for music and cultural venues. This will enable decision-makers to consider the right information early on, addressing the conflict between new and existing development.