The Good Growth Foundation has urged Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to classify pubs and clubs as 'cultural assets' alongside opera houses, aiming to protect them from Nimby-driven closures. The think tank's proposals include a new 'Asset of Cultural Value' planning category and the creation of cultural districts to shield venues from being shut down, alongside business rate relief.
New planning protections proposed
Under the proposals, venues within legally recognised cultural districts would no longer face automatic noise complaint procedures. Instead, the burden of proof would shift to complainants to demonstrate that conditions have changed. An 'Eyes Wide Open' clause would also be included in rental and sales agreements, requiring new residents to acknowledge they are moving into a noisier area.
This approach aims to address issues seen in Soho, where residents' groups have operated with a blanket objection policy to planning and licensing applications. Housing developers failing to install proper soundproofing would be forced to pay, and nearby developments would need assessments to ensure no negative impact on venues.
Broader protections for village pubs
The think tank also recommends that the last pub in every village receive an English-heritage style blue plaque to signal its protection. The campaign follows years of nightlife venues across London and the UK being eroded by Nimby opposition.
The proposals are part of the Good Growth Foundation's new report, 'Don't Stop the Music: Protecting Britain's right to joy and the nights that shape us'. The report's foreword, written by Lord Tom Watson, states: 'We have seen in cities such as Manchester what happens when local leaders recognise the potential of the sector. Nightlife can help bring a town or city centre back to life. It creates buzz, supports jobs, gives young people a reason to stay, and sends a powerful signal that this is a place where things happen.'
Business rate relief and economic impact
The call comes after the new Prime Minister offered hospitality venues a 20% cut in business rates, saving a typical pub about £1,100 a year. However, the Good Growth Foundation argues that further action is needed. Director Praful Nargund said: 'If you move into an area famous for pubs, clubs and live music, you should do so with your eyes open to the fact that there will be more noise rather than expect to use complaints and litigation to silence the culture that was already there. Otherwise a vocal minority is able to wage a war on fun against the venues and neighbourhoods that give British towns and cities their energy.'
Nargund added: 'These locations are good for growth and good for our ability to have fun. The right to joy, community and a great night out should not be surrendered to people who want lively places to become lifeless.'
