10/09/18: John Spellar is celebrating victory in the campaign to halt the decline in music venues.

_{UK Music CEO Michael Dugher and John Spellar MP at Venues Day 2017}

Earlier this year, former Government Minister and Labour MP Mr Spellar submitted proposals to Parliament – in the form of the Planning (Agent of Change) Bill –  which would have required those responsible for new developments and changes of use to put measures in place to allow existing music venues to continue to operate and co-exist, such as sound-proofing – rather than placing the responsibility on the venue.

Following a determined campaign by UK Music, the Music Venue Trust, Mr Spellar and others, the Government introduced changes to planning guidance which incorporated the proposals in Mr Spellar’s Bill. As a result, Mr Spellar has withdrawn his Bill.

Commenting, Mr Spellar said: “This is a great result for campaigners, activists, music venues and the music industry as a whole who have fought for years to make this legislation a reality and halt the decline in music venues.”

“The British music industry is one of our most unique offers as a country – and we should be doing all we can to make sure this industry thrives.”

“Having adopted the measures contained in my Bill into law, it is now vital that councils ensure these are implemented effectively – to make sure reality matches rhetoric.”

UK Music CEO Michael Dugher said: “Thanks to John Spellar’s fantastic work, music venues will now get vital protection from developers.

“I have no doubt that John’s forensic knowledge of parliamentary process and campaigning zeal played a key part in getting this crucial change, which has been welcomed by the entire music industry, onto the statute book.

“Thanks to his efforts, music fans in the Black Country and across the UK should be able to continue watching their favourite acts at their favourite venues.”