Union Chapel gigs at risk from planned new flats

Plans to build 90 new hones opposite London's iconic Union Chapel have put the future of the Chapel as a venue at risk. Music promoters say that the plans, submitted by the Notting Hill Housing Trust, could affect evening performances as well as use as a rehearsal space, for conferences and as a homeless 'drop in' centre, with perceived a risk of complaints from new residents in the proposed flats about noise, deliveries and traffic. The Chapel is still also a place of worship. Planners have already forced changes after objections from local residents and conservationists who objected the scale of the development, and its effect on views of the now Grade 1 listed Islington landmark, as well as changes on access for the venue. Developers have already scaled back the scheme, reducing the height of the new building by cutting the number of levels from seven to five, and the number of residencies from 134 to 90. Performers such as Tom Jones, Patti Smith, All About Eve, Noel Gallagher and Elton John have played at the Chapel, voted Time Out London readers' Best Live Music Venue 2012 and more than 4,000 people have signed a petition opposing the planning application.

http://www.unionchapel.org.uk/pages/hire.html  

Picture form http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Chapel,_Islington