Ministry asks Mayor Boris for protection

Ministry Of Sound boss Lohan Presencer has asked Boris Johnson for a binding agreement confirming that a planned major residential development next to the venue in South London will not have future repercussions on his operation's licence. Ministry had previously succeeded in blocking the plans by property developer Oakmayne to build a big residential complex next to the superclub, after the property firm's proposals were unanimously rejected by Southwark's planning committee, with Ministry successfully arguing that it was an important employer in the area, that it played an important role in the capital's clubbing culture and local community, and that the planned residential development would cause problems because future residents would be certain to make demands on licensing officials regarding noise at the venue. Now London Mayor Boris Johnson's office has agreed to reconsider the decision, placing the club under threat once again. 

Presencer called for agreement by the Mayor in a;letter to the London Standard and also said he wanted a legal agreement that Oakmayne will install sound-proofing into its new apartments (as was promised as part of its planning application) saying he wants a "legal agreement that guarantees that everything that is being promised, such as these acoustically sealed windows, is not reneged on at a later date. The second thing we want is a legal mechanism put in place to ensure the current noise levels will be able to lawfully continue as they are". The letter goes on: "Ministry of Sound has been at the heart of London for a quarter of a century. We've earned our right to stay here. Over the past decade all of London's big clubs have closed as a result of redevelopment. We're the last man standing. Do you want to bring the shutters down on nightclubs in London for good? Please Boris, do the right thing for London, don't stop the music".