London’s MOTH CLUB Faces 2nd Building Planning Application – Sign The Petition
Two separate planning proposals have been submitted to Hackney Council, to develop a block of Flats on Morning Lane. Both developments, if approved, put one of London’s most loved independent grassroots venues at serious risk, as well as impacting the identity of the local area.
These proposals have been deliberately split into two applications to avoid the obligation to include social housing. While we fully support the need for more social and council housing, building multi-story blocks towering over an independent venue like MOTH would have devastating consequences for its future. One of the planned blocks will have balconies directly overlooking MOTH’s smoking area and back onto the stage wall (see drawings) a move that would lead to conflicts, noise complaints, and a serious threat to the venue’s ability to operate.
Since opening in 1972 as an ex-serviceperson’s club, MOTH has been key to serving the community and for the last 10 years has become a hub for live music, comedy, film nights, and club events under LNZRT’s programming. Independent venues like MOTH are under constant threat across the country, with closures happening at an alarming rate. MVT estimates 35% of grassroots venues have closed over the past 20 years. 2023 saw an average of 2 venues shutting every week.
MOTH has supported countless emerging artists, giving them a platform before they broke onto the mainstream circuit along with offering fans a rare opportunity to see established acts in an intimate setting. Previous guests include the likes of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, IDLES, Jarvis Cocker, Lady Gaga, Dry Cleaning, Shame, Caroline Polachek, Rahim Redcar, Gilla Band, Los Bitchos, Biig Piig, Sprints, Wunderhorse, Amyl and the Sniffers, Jalen N’Gonda, Låpsley and more.
If these developments are approved, the noise, disruption, and potential complaints from future residents could jeopardise the venue’s future, dealing yet another blow to London’s dwindling independent venue scene. We’re calling on everyone to stand with MOTH Club and oppose these plans. Please sign and share this petition to help protect MOTH Club and the local community for future generations. Thank you for all the support we’ve received so far!
