Reclassification of premises for use as studios/rehearsal (UK)

[solderspongebob]

Came across this interesting link when browsing mixing desks on eBay, of all things:

http://www.facebook.com/DOGHOUSENOTTINGHAM

Apparently, a small studio has been forced to close as the council are reclassifying studio rehearsal spaces as requiring D2 premises (social gathering spaces, such as bingo, clubs, casinos etc) despite the owners being advised that B1 was sufficient.

What are the chances (and high prices required) of obtaining D2 premises if you want to start a small studio supporting local bands and musicians? This sounds very worrying for both existing and prospective studios and rehearsal spaces in the UK if this is the case.

 

[MagnetoSound]

You have to wonder who the hell makes these stupid decisions, and on what basis, don't you.

My guess is that they are applying some guidelines about regulating any space where people gather in numbers outside of recognized 'work' environments, probably ostensibly for reasons of wanting to guard against anti-social behaviour, but really more to do with raising revenue for the council.

Just a guess, but are there licensing requirements for D2 premises, perhaps?

 

[signalflow]

Just from reading their FB page and their account of whats going on it seems that if they were only a rehearsal space/recording studio that it wouldn't matter that they were a B1.  But the fact that they throw concerts makes them a live venue, which makes them "a place of social gathering, ie: pubs, casinos, bingo halls."

I don't see the confusion here.  Am I missing something?

Seems to me if they don't want their classification changed they need to stop have concerts. But, maybe it's more complicated than that.

-Casey

 

[solderspongebob]

Aah, you have a good point there - if they were throwing concerts, that's another thing altogether!

 

[Doghouse]

Just to clarify, for anyone that may have been confused by this issue.

Our studio did indeed host concerts and events. All of which were hosted with Temporary Events Notifications (TENS) in place and authorised by the local council. The studios were actually closed as a rehearsal studio is apparently a place of social gathering. This means any space used for band or performance rehearsals need to be reclassified in order to be suitably licensed for the particular use of premises.

A recording studio is fine in a warehouse/office space but a rehearsal studio is not. Confused much?