The MU Calls on Council to Save Legendary Bucks Music Venue

The Stables, the iconic live music venue established in 1970 by Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth in Wavendon, is under threat due to plans for a new housing development nearby.

The venue's management, with the support of the Musicians’ Union (MU), is calling on Milton Keynes Council to reject the planning application in its current form for a new three-storey blocks of flats just a few metres from its boundary.

The venue's patrons, musicians and the live music industry are expressing their concern that the proximity of the new residential properties would lead to noise complaints and licensing restrictions.

Safeguarding the future

The Stables hosts more than four hundred gigs each year and welcomes around one hundred thousand people annually through its doors.

Dave Webster, MU National Organiser for Live Performance, said:

“The Union is always concerned when a live music venue comes under threat and we call upon the local Council to reject the relevant plans and safeguard a future for one of our major live music venues.

“Furthermore, the news of a threat to such a respected venue highlights why the Union is fully behind the developments at Government level with regards to protecting crucial cultural landmarks.

"The pledge to strengthen the National Planning Policy Framework, known as Agent of Change, will give MU members places to play and audiences to support them, in addition to giving venues the protection they so desperately need.”

Key policy changes to protect existing businesses

In January this year, the MU welcomed the Government’s support for vital plans to save music venues, when Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, announced that the Government was throwing its support behind the plan to protect music venues under threat from developers.

The key policy changes will see a vital legislative addition that will protect existing businesses, such as music venues, when areas are being considered for redevelopment. This could mean the developer of new flats bearing responsibility for soundproofing, to avoid the risk of the new neighbours complaining about noise from a nearby venue.

Support The Stables

The Union understands that no decision will be taken by Milton Keynes Council until at least 5 July and anyone wishing to raise their concerns with the Council can do so during the current consultation process.

The MU has written to the Council and the organisation is asking its members to support The Stables by lodging concerns online with Milton Keynes Council. For details of how to do this, please visit The Stables website.