Hackney Council has moved to address widespread alarm over the potential future of a beloved music and comedy venue, after plans for two blocks of flats nearby sparked a major public campaign.
Mayor's Assurance Fails to Fully Soothe Fears
Mayor Caroline Woodley issued a public statement last week, acknowledging that spaces like the MOTH Club are "vital" for the borough's communities. She stated that, from her perspective, the club would remain a "treasured space" for Hackney. This came in response to an avalanche of roughly 27,000 emails of support for the venue and a petition that has now gathered over 30,000 signatures.
The core concern for the venue's operators is that new residential developments would "directly overlook" the club, leading to an increase in noise complaints. They argue this could result in restrictive conditions, curfews, and ultimately threaten its survival, as live music noise is integral to its operation.
Mayor Woodley pointed to the council's planning policies, which include the 'Agent of Change' principle. This policy places the responsibility on new developments to mitigate existing noise, rather than forcing established venues to change. However, she noted the council could not comment in detail as the planning applications are still live and due to be heard, now likely not before February 2026.
Charity Warns Policy is 'Guidance, Not Law'
The Music Venue Trust (MVT) responded to the Mayor's comments by calling them "encouraging" but expressed significant doubts. In a social media post, the charity highlighted a critical flaw: the Agent of Change provision is "guidance, not law."
"While its inclusion in planning policy is positive, it is not a guaranteed safeguard," the MVT stated. "Decisions still rely on the planning authority's interpretation, application and enforcement of that guidance... We have seen this go wrong before."
They cited a case in Brixton where a development was initially approved based on a noise report that completely omitted a nearby iconic music venue, requiring later intervention. "Until we see demonstrably robust protections built into any proposal and enforced through construction, the future of MOTH Club cannot be considered secure," the trust concluded.
A Decade of Community and Glittering Nights at Risk
Established in 1972 as an old servicemen's club, the MOTH Club was transformed into its current incarnation in 2015. Its small, glittering stage has since hosted a slew of major artists, including Lady Gaga, IDLES, Dave Grohl, and Dry Cleaning.
General Manager Edie Kench-Andrews said in July that the venue had worked hard for a decade to be a good neighbour while operating. "It's incredibly disheartening when we consider how little we can do to defend ourselves against these complaints," she said. The venue's operators previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that if the development proceeds, the club would be "attacked on all sides."
The club hosted a fundraising event on Thursday, December 18, featuring artists like Kojey Radical, underlining the ongoing community effort to secure its future amidst the prolonged planning uncertainty.
