Sunderland city centre flat plans refused once again after grassroots music venue airs concerns

Plans for a flat in Sunderland city centre have once again been refused after concerns it could have a detrimental impact on a grassroots music venue.

Earlier this year, plans were submitted to Sunderland City Council for a five-bedroom apartment located on the first floor of 24 Holmeside, above Dr Q's Food Factory and next to the Panda Garden Buffet. But the plans were knocked back after concerns about noise were raised from nearby live music venue, Independent.

Then, in September, updated plans were lodged for the same location, which proposed upgrading the property's floors and walls to reduce noise levels. However, earlier this month, on November 14, the plans were again refused after further objections from locals and others in the music industry.

READ MORE: Newcastle United learn spending fate as 16 clubs turn against Magpies in intense meeting

READ MORE: Northumberland community group writes to King Charles to recognise area's red squirrels on 2p coins

Promoter Ben Wall, who previously owned Independent, was one of many to lodge an objection, stating: "Independent is the only recognised grassroots music venue in Sunderland, and is the core of Sunderland's local and emerging touring scenes. Having residential property so close puts its very existence in peril due the likelihood of noise complaints."

Mr Wall added several North East bands and artists such as Sam Fender, The Lake Poets, Frankie & The Heartstrings and others have all plied their trade at the popular venue.

Another objection came from London-based Jay Taylor, of the Music Venue Trust, a charity.

He said: "This application runs contrary to the aims of Sunderland City Council Local Plans and Culture and Tourism strategies. It cannot be said therefore with confidence that necessary protections are at all robust in order to mitigate the noise created by Independent's important cultural work and any future residents of the planned development.

"This music venue would face an increased risk of noise complaints which would impact upon its ongoing viability and place them under sustained risk of permanent closure. On this basis, the application should be refused."

It is understood the council has committed to two further years of financial support to Waves Festival - which is run by the live management team at Independent. The popular event took place earlier this month and was headlined by Miles Kane.

Sunderland City Council refused the flat plans, stating: "It has not been demonstrated that future occupiers would be afforded an acceptable standard of living in respect of impacts of noise from nearby commercial premises."