The Government’s decision to back vital plans to save music venues across the UK is great news for the live music industry.

Earlier this month I joined political colleagues and professional musicians in campaigning for amendments to the Planning Bill -; to bring an “agent of change” principle into UK law.

The music industry has seen a sharp decline in grassroots venues over the past decade, with 35% closing, but these amendments should help protect and support our surviving venues.

New developments near to music venues will now be expected to take responsibility for things like sound proofing, but new venues in residential areas would be responsible for these costs.