Plans to introduce the Agent Of Change principle will throw the onus of soundproofing on the developers, not venue owners.

Photo credit: Khris Cowley

The UK government has thrown its support behind a proposal to introduce the Agent Of Change principle, a move that will protect clubs and music venues from property developers.The rule shifts the onus onto developers to "identify and solve any sound problems" at new properties, rather than owners of nearby music venues. Housing Secretary Sajid Javid: "I have always thought it unfair that the burden is on long-standing music venues to solve noise issues when property developers choose to build nearby. I am pleased to finally have an opportunity to right this wrong and also give more peace of mind to new residents moving into local properties."The next step is to amend the National Planning Policy Framework to include a detailed reference to the Agent Of Change principle. It will be consulted on this spring. London mayor Sadiq Khan is also pushing ahead with plans to include the Agent Of Change principle in his London Plan.