Meeting held over gig noise after single complaint

York band Shed Seven played two 30th anniversary concerts in the Museum Gardens in July

A single complaint about noise following a gig at an outdoor venue has triggered a council meeting on the issue.

York Museum Gardens hosted three concerts in July featuring local band Shed Seven and solo artist Jack Savoretti.

Just one resident contacted City of York Council to object to the noise caused by the events, leading to a licensing hearing being held.

No further action was taken but the site managers, York Museums Trust, have been advised to consider noise management measures at future gigs.

Rick Witter, lead singer of Shed Seven ahead of the gigs in the Museum Gardens in York

Trust representative Michelle Hazelwood told councillors that they had worked to ensure the concerts complied with noise limits and they would look to learn from the feedback.

The complainant, Andrew Dickinson of Clifton, said the noise stopped him and his neighbours from sitting in their gardens and distressed his autistic son, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Mr Dickinson subsequently made an application for the Trust's events licence to be reviewed by the council.

Councillors heard that noise levels had been monitored throughout the concerts and sound checks completed beforehand.

The recorded noise was 1-2 decibels above the limit, but "would not have been audible" and did not breach regulations.

York Museum Trust might reposition the stage at future concerts

The licensing committee heard that two comments had been submitted in support of Mr Dickinson's request for the licence review, but 22 had been sent that backed the Trust.

Ms Hazelwood told councillors that no other complaints had been received about outdoor events in the Museum Gardens, such as the York Proms and firework displays.

But she added the Trust was looking at repositioning the stage during future concerts to direct noise away from residential areas and changing how it informs residents who may be affected.

York Museums Trust's representative at the meeting said: “This premises has hosted many events for many years without cause for concern or complaint.

“My clients aren’t complacent and they’re already thinking about changes including the position of the stage.”

Mr Dickinson said that sounds at lower frequency travelled further and could affect those who were "hypersensitive" to noise.

He said: “It seems to be that for disabled people who are more affected by this that it’s just hard luck.”

Councillors recommended that the authority’s licensing committee look into the impact of noise policies on neurodiverse people as part of their decision.

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