Plans for holiday flats to be built next door to popular live music venue The Crescent have been approved – after the developers and the owner of the club reached a landmark agreement.
More than 220 people objected to the planning application at first – fearing people staying in the flats would complain about noise from gigs and that this could see the venue shut down.
But the developers have now signed a contract saying they will not complain about reasonable noise levels, that this contract will remain even if the owners change and that all guests will be told the flats are next to a live music venue.
The team at The Crescent have praised the developers, saying the agreement sets an example for other companies on how to protect more of the city’s cultural venues.
In a statement, they say: “The developer has to their credit engaged with us around the plans, and have now signed a deed of easement.
“This represents a huge step forward, and is a landmark document with only a handful of other examples being implemented across the country.
“We feel this protects our operations as a venue. As such we would no longer object to the redevelopment as holiday lets.
“We hope that the deed will serve as an example for other developers in how to constructively engage with existing businesses in line with Agent of Change laws and to protect the cultural fabric of York.”
Nursery closed
The planning application for the flats was originally rejected in July 2020 by councillors on the planning panel.
They also had worries about the loss of childcare places – because the building used to be a nursery.
A statement from the developer says: “The nursery closed mid 2019 as a result of dwindling numbers against the need for significant investment to improve the building to modern day standards.”
Planning officers approved the resubmitted application, saying: “It is noted that following the refusal of the previous scheme at a planning committee in 2020, the applicant has now agreed a ‘deed of easement’ with the venue next door.
“The proposal is considered to preserve the character of the conservation area and is acceptable in other respects.”