Concerns over plans for more gigs in city gardens

Hopes to stage more gigs at a popular city-centre site have been met with concerns over late-night noise and anti-social behaviour.

Futuresound Events Ltd has applied to stage live music and other performances at Museum Gardens in York for up to 12 days a year until 22:30 BST between Thursdays and Sundays.

Several residents have objected to the move, arguing it would lead to days of disruption while the gardens are closed to the public and put pressure on nearby car parks. They said the views of residents had not been taken into account.

The application is due to go before City of York councillors on 13 July.

One objector said: "I am opposed to granting this many extra days due to the detrimental effect from noise and disruption to the residents in the near vicinity and those on the other side of the railway lines who will also have to put up with the noise."

North Yorkshire Police said the application had not provided enough detail on how the operator planned to prevent crime and disorder.

City of York Council said it feared the changes would lead to an "unacceptable" increase in the number of event days, leading to a public nuisance.

Two comments were lodged in support of the plans, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Futuresound, which stages the events in the York Museums Trust-run gardens, is aiming to extend the yearly series of music and comedy gigs from four days currently.

Shows typically take place in July, with Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Self Esteem and Super Furry Animals performing this year along with the York Comedy Festival.

The operator said its gigs had been hugely positive for the city, attracting thousands of people.

One supporter said they were confident Futuresound would manage the events appropriately and respond to any concerns promptly.

Futuresound's application stated security and stewards would be brought in to ensure public safety and prevent nuisance behaviour, with disorderly people refused entry.

Rehearsals and sound checks would take place from 09:00 to 20:00 BST and tests would be done before concerts to set a maximum sound limit.

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