Hackney: We can’t survive without making noise

“Without being able to make noise, we can’t make money,” says Edie Kench-Andrews, general manager of the Moth Club, in Hackney.

She is worried that the independent music and comedy venue will be shut down by noise complaints if a block of flats is built next door.

The venue, which opened in 1972 as a servicemen’s club, has hosted a range of big name artists including Lady Gaga, Dave Grohl and Rick Astley since 2015.

Hackney council has said the application is being considered. Those behind the plans have refused to comment.

“Without venues like the Moth Club, and many others like us, bands wouldn’t lift off the way that they do,” Ms Kench-Andrews added.

More than 6,500 people have signed a petition against two development proposals next to the club, stating that they would put the independent grassroots venue “at serious risk” and impact the identity of the area.

Ms Kench-Andrews said: “There would be two blocks of flats built just on the left of us, which would overlook our smoking area and the back of our music venue.”

She is concerned that if approved, residents who move in will issue noise complaints about the smoking area, the queue and the bass from music.

“Without things like that, you can’t really operate,” she said.

“Without being able to make noise, we can’t make money. And without being able to make noise, we can’t stay open.”

Ms Kench-Andrews said the club currently had neighbours on one side, but being “enclosed with housing” would make it much harder.

“A building like that getting built next to us will cast such a shadow over everything that we have worked for,” she said.

“If we were to get shut down, it would be a monumental difference for the community.

“Without places like us you wouldn’t be listening to half the bands you’re listening to.”

Keith Miller, event programmer the Moth Club, said the last venue he worked at closed because residents in new flats complained about noise.

“There’s venues shutting every year, and once they’re gone, they’re gone,” he said.

A spokesperson for Hackney Council said they were unable to comment while the planning application was live.

They added: “Planning officers will be assessing the applications against relevant planning policies, guidelines, other material planning considerations and any representations about the proposals.”

Stephen Davy Peter Smith Architects which submitted the application and the estate agents Savills which is involved in the project have refused to comment.