Performance venue and nightclub at Invisible Wind Factory, Liverpool

What was proposed

Retrospective permission was sought to continue using the premises as a multi-use performance venue and nightclub.

“The proposal seeks planning approval to continue the use of the premises as a performance venue and night club. Comments have been submitted objecting to the proposal on grounds of potential harmful impacts on neighbouring amenity and public safety.”

“The Proposal Retrospective planning approval is sought to continue the use of the premises as a performance venue and night club.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a large warehouse at the corner of Regent Road and Carlton Street, surrounded mainly by warehouses, open storage land and derelict dockland.

“The application site is a large 20 th century warehouse building which occupies the corner of Regent Road and Carlton Street. The building features a series of large vertical windows across its Carlton Street and Regent Road frontages which feature glazing bars giving them a distinctive geometric pattern. The Regent Road frontage also features two large vehicular loading bays and two arched pedestrian entrances.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because creative and cultural benefits outweighed conflict with employment-land policy, subject to conditions controlling noise, hours, access and highways.

“The application seeks retrospective planning approval to continue using the building as a (Sui Generis) performance venue and night club which lies within a designated Employment Area. Whilst the use of the building may not be considered to comply with Policy EC2 of the Local Plan, which prioritises industrial uses, it aligns with Policy CC13 and the Ten Streets Spatial Regeneration Framework that support creative and cultural enterprises.”

“In conclusion, the proposal is considered acceptable on the planning balance in this instance subject to the attached conditions…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Two objections cited noise, disturbance, anti-social behaviour and highway danger, while a nearby business supported the venue’s cultural and economic contribution.

“Noise and disturbance as the applicant have held several "events" at the industrial unit since summer 2016. • Anti- social behaviour • Highway danger, when deliveries are being made. • The applicant has been responsible for severe noise pollution and the music played was beyond volumes acceptable or even comparable to a normal nightclub venue. • There is a clear danger to the attendees and motorists and no adequate police presence in the area.”

“Response to Second consultation comments One email of support from a nearby business occupier and state the following: • Invisible Wind Factory and Kazimier Productions are key contributors to the growth, vibrancy, and identity of the Ten Streets district • Events, markets, and creative programmes at the site attract significant footfall and boost the area’s cultural appeal • Positive direct economic impact on nearby businesses, including increased trade for local…”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

The applicant’s agent presented the application and spoke in support.

Committee discussion

The committee was advised of the application and the approval recommendation, with a correction proposed for Condition 8 and removal of the S106 informative.

“Condition 8 in the report should read “The development hereby permitted shall only be used as a night club and non-nightclub uses identified within the Breakdown of Uses, Operating Hours and Revenue Document. Any use that falls outside or undermines the balance of uses proposed shall require prior written approval of the Council as Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted subject to conditions, including the corrected wording for Condition 8, and the S106 informative was removed.

“16F/2565 to change the use of 3 Regent Road, Liverpool 3, from an industrial unit to a multi-use performance venue and night club, be approved subject to Conditions proposed by the Director of Planning and Building Control. _____”

“That the informative no.6 referring to the S106 is removed. _____”

Minutes