A BILL to help places such as music venues when new plans are submitted in the vicinity has been supported by a local MP.
Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Angela Smith has backed the introduction of the Planning (Agent of Change) Bill to the House of Commons, which would mean developers would have to take account of the impact of any new scheme would have on existing businesses.
This Ten-minute Rule Bill was presented by John Spellar MP and has received cross-party support and aims to incorporate the agent of change principle within planning law.
Campaign group UK Music said there has been a 35 per cent decline in grassroots music venues in the UK over the last decade. UK Music has warned that existing planning laws are often a key factor struggling music venues must contend with.
Angela said: “I welcome the introduction of the agent of change Bill as a vital means of protecting the future of our best-loved grassroots music venues. All too often planning laws have placed unreasonable demands on small venues, threatening the development of our world beating music industry.
“I am pleased that this Bill recognises the challenges that music venues face. I call on the government to secure its speedy passage into law.”
