New Planning Guide Launched to Support Music Venues in Greater Manchester

Music Venue Trust (MVT), in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Music Commission (GMMC) and the Greater Manchester Night Time Economy (NTE) office, has published a new resource titled Planning: A Best Practice Guide. This initiative comes in response to the increasing development occurring next to areas of nighttime activity, which has led to tensions between cultural organisations, businesses, and new residents.

The guide is designed to provide venue operators with essential tools to navigate the complexities of the planning system. It aims to support not only music venues but also other businesses that may be impacted by neighbouring developments, such as recording studios and rehearsal spaces.

MVT’s 2024 Annual Report found that 14% of reasons for venue closures was due to eviction or redevelopment. In 65% of MVT’s Emergency Response Service cases analysed, the Agent of Change principle, which states that the responsibility for mitigation of the impact of a planning application falls to the Agent of Change and not to existing businesses, is not mentioned in the planning application by the developer. In 37% of the cases, the venue doesn’t appear in the noise impact assessment and is not named or referenced.

With Greater Manchester’s dynamic cultural scene growing alongside new residential and commercial developments, this guide offers a practical solution to help venues and businesses understand their rights, obligations, and best practices when dealing with planning regulations. By equipping stakeholders with the necessary knowledge, the guide seeks to foster a more harmonious relationship between nightlife businesses and urban development.

The publication of Planning: A Best Practice Guide represents a proactive step towards safeguarding the region’s vibrant music and cultural sectors while ensuring sustainable urban growth. Venue operators and other interested parties are encouraged to utilise the guide to help navigate planning challenges and protect Greater Manchester’s rich cultural heritage.

About Music Venue Trust
Music Venue Trust (MVT) is a UK-based charity that was founded in 2014 to protect, secure, and improve grassroots music venues across the country. The organisation works with venue operators, policymakers, and the wider music industry to support independent music spaces, ensuring they remain at the heart of local communities and continue to provide opportunities for emerging artists.

Published by
Greater Manchester Music Commission