Cardiff’s ‘Save Womanby Street Campaign has been praised in the House of Commons today as MPs seek to recreate the campaign’s success in Wales by changing the law in England.
A new Bill supported by Cardiff MPs would introduce the ‘Agent of Change’ planning principle in England - just as the Welsh Government has pledged to do in Wales in response to the Womanby Street campaigners.
In a speech to introduce the Bill John Spellar MP for Warley, said: “There are already moves being made around the country to address these concerns, many grass roots campaigns are being mounted to save local venues.”
“Two of my co-sponsors, the Members for Cardiff West Kevin Brennan and Cardiff Central Jo Stevens have been supporting the Save Womanby Street campaign, along with the members for Cardiff North and Cardiff South and Penarth, and that has led directly to the adoption of the Agent of Change principal across Wales. A welcome adoption by the Welsh Labour Government.”
Cardiff West MP, Kevin Brennan, who strongly supported the ‘Save Womanby Street’ campaign is Labour’s Shadow Culture Minister and has been campaigning for the rest of the UK to follow Wales to protect music venues in planning law.
“I think it was only right to acknowledge the ‘Save Womanby Street’ campaigners because it’s a brilliant example of how well-organised public activism in our Music City of Cardiff can spread positive change across the country,” said Kevin.
“The ‘Save Womanby Street’ campaign was started in Cardiff by a group of passionate members of the public determined to protect grass roots music in our city. Their passion sparked interest and campaigning across the UK.”
“The Scottish Government, the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, and now the UK Government are all considering following the Welsh Government’s pledge to adopt the Agent of Change principle into planning law.”
“This is an important step in helping to protect music venues because it will put the onus on property developers to protect new residential buildings from noise and rather than loading the costs and bureaucracy onto existing music venues, often forcing their closure”
“With 30 million people attending UK music events last year, it’s vital we have the music venues available for the nation to continue our love of live music and grow the talent of the future.”