Live Music At The Star Inn Under Threat After Noise Complaints

Published on: 25 May, 2018
Updated on: 25 May, 2018

The Star Inn, Quarry Street

By Will Parsons

Live music venue the Star Inn, on Quarry Street, where The Stranglers first performed, is under threat after a noise complaint was made to Guildford Borough Council (GBC) by a developer of nearby flats. The manager of the pub said the original decision to put flats near the pub was “ludicrous”.

The Star Inn, a 16th-century pub which describes itself as “Guildford’s longest-running live music venue”, hosts live acts and events including musicians and stand-up comedians.

Developer Neil Young, which recently converted an office space backing on to the pub into flats, has complained to GBC and the Star Inn about the noise from the venue. The complaint raises the prospect of a Noise Abatement Notice for the pub.

Star Inn manager, Georgina Baker, said: “When the planning application went in three years ago we pointed out that it was ludicrous to put flats next to a live music venue overlooking a pub courtyard, but they wouldn’t listen.

“Now, sure enough, the developer has complained and the council has finally realised that it might be a bit noisy in the flats.

“Small live music venues are the lifeblood of the music industry as well as an invaluable cultural and social asset, they can’t just be swept aside for luxury apartments.

“We’re part of the historic fabric of Guildford, but if the council issues a Noise Abatement Notice, that’ll put us out of business.”

The owner of the Star Inn, Shepherd Neame, objected to the developers’ original planning application in 2013, on the basis that live music accounts for over 40% of the pub’s turnover.

Ms Baker has set up a petition, addressed to lead councillor Paul Spooner, “to make the council see sense” and save the venue. The petition has 9,650 signatures at the time of writing and can be found here: https://www.change.org/p/paul-spooner-guildford-borough-council-leader-save-legendary-guildford-music-venue

In a statement, GBC said that an investigation is underway, but that no abatement notice has yet been issued. Council officers have taken noise readings and have met with representatives of the pub.

The Star Inn was the venue for the first official gig of punk rock band the “Stranglers”, who formed as the “Guildford Stranglers” in 1974 and have since become one of the most successful UK punk bands. The pub claims it has been entertaining locals “for more than 400 years”.

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