As many of you have also recently found out, one of Bristol’s favourite music venues has the threat of closure from developers hanging over it. Much like The Fleece before it, The Thekla is potentially under threat from a development on the Redcliffe Wharf opposite it. Many people are going online to express their support for the venerable music institute and that’s great to see, but there are also concrete steps you can take to help raise awareness within the council and let them know that this has to be a key part of the development plans.
Write to Bristol Council Planning Department
Up until 12pm today you can email the planning department expressing your concerns regarding the planning application. Email democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk using the subject line “Statement regarding Application Nos 17/02049/F & 17/02050/LA” and tell them what you think about the potential impact of live music venues in the area and specifically The Thekla and ask whether or not provisions have been made to ensure this long established venue is not under threat from noise complaints. Having read through the planning document there are particular areas to highlight in your email.
Section 7 Response to Community Publicity
7.1.8
– Concern that the noise assessment undertaken doesn’t properly consider the potential amenity impacts of the late night live music venues in the vicinity.
8.19.
BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL POLLUTION CONTROL
8.19.1. The Bristol City Council Pollution Control team commented that the noise assessment for the site should take into account the potential for noise from the Thekla over the weekend, and that this could be secured through condition.
13. RECOMMENDATION
6. Noise Sensitive Premises Assessment
A detailed acoustic report on the existing noise climate at the development site will be submitted to and approved in writing by the Council prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved.
The details submitted shall specify the development phase(s) to which they relate. The report shall include a scheme of noise insulation measures for all residential accommodation. The noise insulation measures shall be designed to achieve noise insulation to a standard that nuisance will not be caused to the occupiers of residential accommodation by noise from the following:
a) Music and customer noise from the nearby licensed premises over a weekend and from the licensed premises to be provided as part of the development.
Noise Complaints
The last two items are critical and Thekla owners DHP have already expressed concerns that the Environmental Impact Assessment carried out was on a night when they weren’t even open.
We will be writing in and making sure our voices are heard. If you have the time, then write an email or call the planning department. You can also find out more about the planning committee below:
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/planning-and-building-regulations/development-control-committees
