Music venue operators, hospitality leaders and industry figures are calling on the trade and music fans to respond to the Scottish Government’s consultation on planning law changes, warning the proposals could threaten pubs and live music venues across Scotland.
The proposed changes to Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) would make it easier for developers to convert existing buildings into housing without full planning permission. While the aim is to increase housing supply is widely supported,, the on-trade industry says the plans could expose venues to noise complaints from new residential neighbours, force costly soundproofing requirements onto operators, or lead to closures.
Mike Grieves, managing director of Sub Club and head of the Night Time Industries Association, said venues are already struggling with rising costs and reduced footfall. “Most venues wouldn’t survive the financial burden of trying to completely soundproof their premises, even if that was possible,” he said. “This further threat posed by removing the opportunity to make representations to planning committee decisions is truly existential.”
Geoff Ellis, CEO of DF Concerts & Events, Scotland’s largest music promoter, warned that grassroots venues are where artists develop. “If these changes go ahead without safeguards, we risk losing the deep-rooted foundations that makes Scottish music thrive,” he said.
Leon Thompson, executive director at UKHospitality Scotland, said the consultation document fails to reflect how the proposals could impact pubs, bars and music venues. “At a time when our businesses are working harder than ever, due to economic and legislative constraints, further burdens and restrictions on economic activity will be detrimental to their future operation,” he said.
The warnings come as Music Venue Trust data shows 125 UK grassroots venues either closed or stopped hosting live music in 2023, with over 200 venues seeking emergency support in 2024 to avoid closure.
Glasgow’s Night Time Economy Ambassador Jenn Nimmo-Smith said venues are already under immense financial strain. “While we all recognise the urgent need for more housing, it cannot come at the cost of our live music ecosystem,” she said.
Robert Kilpatrick, CEO of the Scottish Music Industry Association, urged the public to respond to the consultation before the 27 October deadline. More information is available here.