Flat rejected over music venue noise complaint fears

Those opposed said nearby Independent was vital to Sunderland's live music scene

Plans for a flat have been rejected over fears future tenants could complain about noise from a nearby live music venue.

Sunderland City Council turned down an application to convert an empty property in Millfield into a five-bedroom flat, following opposition.

Ben Wall, the previous owner of Independent, said noise complaints would put its “existence in peril”, with others suggesting its closure would be “catastrophic” to the city’s music scene.

The applicant said the property had been vacant for several months and walls would be upgraded, but councillors also noted concerns over its suitability as housing.

During a consultation period, several people added their voice against the plans, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Mr Wall said the venue, in Holmeside, was at the core of Sunderland’s local and emerging touring scenes.

“Having resident property so close puts its very existence in peril due to the likelihood of noise complaints,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, the Music Venue Trust charity said complaints about the venue could add “further pressure” to its continued operation, following the aftermath of the Covid lockdown.

The application, submitted earlier this year, was linked to the space above Dr Q’s Food Factory, which sits directly adjacent to the Panda Garden Buffet.

The council decision report also noted the local authority environmental health service’s concerns about the suitability of the site as a residential dwelling.