Charlton events venue gets licence despite noise team objections

Greenwich Council has granted a licence for a 5,000-capacity open-air events venue at the Stone Foundries site in Charlton. The decision allows for events to take place on the concrete slab of land next to the former Stone Foundries warehouses, which closed in 2019. The site is located 150 metres from residential properties in Atlas and Derrick Gardens.

Noise concerns raised

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The council's own noise team lodged an objection to the licence application. Representatives cited concerns about potentially inaccurate data submitted by the applicant, CW Bases, and a general increase in complaints from other open-air events in the borough. Nick Dornan, from the community protection team, expressed ongoing reservations about how noise would travel from the site due to its hard concrete surface. He stated that measurements for the noise report were taken inside a building, not outside, leading to the belief that "all the figures are incorrect."

Mr Dornan articulated worries that significant noise from larger events would be audible in Atlas and Derrick Gardens, potentially affecting residents. He noted that the buildings in that area are older and less sound-insulated. "We're just very wary about what noise you're going to give those neighbours," he told the licensing sub-committee. He added that the team anticipates receiving complaints if residents are "lumped with a big open venue, with 4,000, maybe 5,000 people."

Licence conditions imposed

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Despite the objections, the licence was granted with a series of strict conditions. Any event expected to host over 1,000 people, or featuring boxing or wrestling, will require sign-off from council officers. The initial three events will be limited to a maximum of 500 attendees. Amplified entertainment must conclude by 10:30pm each night. Furthermore, events will not be permitted on days when Charlton Athletic Football Club plays home matches unless approved by council officers and police.

Organisers must also consult with British Transport Police and rail companies regarding potential crowd management at Charlton station. CW Bases, the applicant, stated they were satisfied with the conditions. Hugo Kibasi, representing the company, outlined plans for a varied programme including corporate events, fashion shows, music, theatre, and food festivals. He acknowledged the need for community consultation and stated that noise management plans would be developed for events where sound leakage was anticipated.

Christopher Devine, a Greenwich licensing officer, acknowledged the noise team's concerns but described the licence conditions as "robust." He indicated that non-compliance would lead to licensing enforcement issues, potentially resulting in prosecution or a licence review for CW Bases.