One of York’s most cherished grassroots music venues, The Crescent, has issued a call for community support amid fears that a major development proposed next door could threaten its future.
Developers submitted a plan to build 21 aparthotel units, nine residential flats and a commercial space on land directly adjacent to the long-established community venue. The Crescent says the scale and proximity of the development could “threaten our existence,” citing potential noise complaints from future residents and construction-related disruptions.
“We accept that the neighbouring site needs development,” a spokesperson for The Crescent said. “But we contend that this must be designed in harmony with the area, and one which allows us to continue our normal operations.”
Noise Complaints
The proposed apartments would sit directly above the loudest part of the venue, raising serious concerns about noise complaints once residents move in.
“The Crescent is a venue that relies on making noise as a fundamental part of its business,” said Cllr Pete Kilbane, who has called for the application to be reviewed. “Any noise complaints by the new occupants could have catastrophic effects on the business. Please note that the Crescent is a key cultural venue in the city which provides meeting facilities at little or no cost to community groups.”
The councillor also warned that the development could contravene York’s Local Plan policies D3 and EC2, which protect cultural venues and local employment.
Previously, planning permission for a nearby office building included a Section 106 Agreement and a Deed of Easement, safeguarding The Crescent’s operation. The venue argues that similar protections must be in place for any new plans.
Disruption
The Crescent also highlighted that a prolonged construction period would disrupt not only their venue but also residents, local businesses, and visitors to the Blossom Street area, as access to the construction site is “extremely limited.”
“As well as disrupting our daily deliveries and band load-ins and thereby affecting our business. The plans also do not provide any parking provision for the Airbnb’s, which upon completion, would add more pressure for the existing residents, and us.”
A Century of Community
Since opening in 1904 as a working men’s club, The Crescent has served as a hub for the local community, contributing to the city’s social culture. In the decade that the venue has operated as a music venue, it has hosted hundreds of performances, community events, and workshops, playing a central role in York’s creative scene.
“The plight of local music venues across the UK has been well documented and to ensure The Crescent isn’t at threat of being added to the growing list of closures we need your support.”
The Venue has appealed to the local community for support, asking them to send an email to the council objecting to the development; the template can be found on their website. The consultation stage of the application is on 06 November.
The Developer’s Aims
Applications Crescent Developments Ltd state that the plans would safeguard The Crescent while contributing to the tourism and housing sectors. A noise assessment by Dragonfly Consulting claims that the neighbouring community venue is not a concern, with the main source of disturbance being traffic.