MP for Somerton and Frome, David Warburton, joined a star-studded launch this month as the introduction of the Planning (Agent of Change) Bill to the House of Commons was enthusiastically backed by leading names in the UK music industry including Sir Paul McCartney.
The Bill, co-sponsored by David Warburton MP, demands that before proceeding with any new building scheme, property developers would be required to take account of the impact of the scheme on pre-existing businesses, including grass-roots music venues such as Frome’s Cheese and Grain.
The Ten-minute Rule Bill, presented by former Labour MP, John Spellar, has received cross-party support and will incorporate the agent of change principle within UK planning law.
The launch in Westminster was attended by more than 100 music industry professionals including a host of artists and musicians; singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, veteran artist Sandie Shaw, Pink Floyd founding member Nick Mason, bass guitarist of the Sex Pistols Glen Matlock, singer-songwriter Howard Jones, singer-songwriter and lead singer of The Undertones, Feargal Sharkey.
They were joined by award-winning producer and songwriter Guy Chambers, who has written and produced for Robbie Williams, Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Tina Turner, Kylie Minogue, James Blunt, Scissor Sisters, Rufus Wainwright and Mark Ronson.
Ahead of the launch, Sir Paul McCartney pledged his full support of the Bill, declaring, “Without the grassroots clubs, pubs and music venues, my career could have been very different. If we don’t support music at this level, then the future of music in general is in danger.”
Introducing the Bill in the House of Commons, John Spellar MP highlighted Frome’s Cheese and Grain as an example of a grassroots music venue set to benefit from the proposed changes to planning law.
John Spellar said, “Another sponsor, the honourable Member for Somerton and Frome (David Warburton), is concerned to protect the rapidly growing Cheese and Grain – a much valued venue in Frome – which shows that this is not just about the inner cities.”
David Warburton MP – a former musician who in addition to being co-sponsor of this Bill was recently appointed chair of the prestigious All-Party Parliamentary Group for Music said, “This Bill is tremendous news for grass-roots music venues such as the Cheese & Grain in Frome.
“There’s been a 35% decline in grass-roots music venues in the UK over the last decade and UK Music has warned that existing planning laws are often a key factor struggling music venues must contend with.
“The Agent of Change Bill is a vital means of protecting the future of our best-loved music venues. All too often planning laws have placed unreasonable demands on small venues, threatening the development of our world-class music industry.
“I urge the Government to secure its speedy passage into law.”
Above: The launch, attended by more than 100 music industry professionals and high-profile artists and singer-songwriters together with MPs and parliamentarians including Michael Dugher (former Labour MP and CEO of UK Music), Pete Wishart (SNP Shadow Leader of the House of Commons), Ed Vaizey MP (former Culture Minister), Kevin Brennan MP (Shadow Arts Minister), Tom Watson, deputy leader of the Labour party and David Warburton MP, Somerton & Frome.
