Sheffield club's music til dawn plan faces objections

Plot 22 on Exchange Street is planning “art, music and culture showcases” on Saturday, May 19 which will run right through from midnight to 5.30am.

In a report to the licensing board, Dalton Kershaw of Plot 22 says: “The premises is a small multi purpose creative space located in the Castlegate district in a former retail unit. We have used the space for a variety of creative events since May of last year such as art exhibitions and gigs.

“The weekend will include performances from musicians, artists, poets and DJs from Sheffield and further afield. Music styles include live acoustic music, guitar based music and electronic dance music.

“There will be live music, both amplified and unamplified, playback of recorded and electronic music, performances of spoken word poetry and project visual art.”

But the council’s Environmental Protection Service has objected. It says there have been repeated complaints about noise which the venue hasn’t addressed.

Bob Singh, environmental protection officer, says in a report: “This is located in a mixed commercial and residential area with relatively low background noise levels throughout the late evening. As such, there is enhanced potential to give rise to complaints relating to public nuisance.

“In particular, we are concerned that residents in close proximity will potentially be affected by noise breakout of entertainment, patrons outside the premises and dispersing into the surrounding areas.

“Plot 22 is subject to a significant number of public nuisance complaints and the proposed temporary event notice is likely to result in excessive noise. The hours applied for are excessive, in particular for entertainment to 5.30am.”

Mr Singh says the fabric of the building means it doesn’t contain noise of amplified music. “We have offered proactive advice and made recommendations to control the noise and how to effectively managed patrons.

“However, following several meetings and discussions, the sound attenuation works have not been complected to a satisfactory level and we continue to receive complaints of public nuisance.”

The licensing board make a decision at a meeting on Thursday, May 10 at 3.30pm.