Lancaster pub launches fresh fight to save its music stage

We reported in October how the John O'Gaunt in Market Street had launched a campaign to save its new stage after the council told them to remove it.

Around 1,500 people signed an online petition in a bid to get the order reversed, while hundreds of pounds were also raised to help with the cost of any modifications that may be required.

Ye Olde John O'Gaunt has shown live music for nearly 100 years, but after constructing the multi-use area earlier this year to provide additional seating and create a raised stage for the pub's visiting musicians to perform in safety, they were told it wasn't "in keeping" with the pub's character.

The council says that installing a stage in the pub needs special consent, as the John O'Gaunt is a listed building, and as such is a place of special historical interest and importance.

The pub has now submitted a listed building application for the retention of the stage.

A statement to the council says: "Given the essentially free standing and temporary nature of the structure the applicant never even considered that planning or listed building consent might be necessary and it came as a considerable surprise.

"The introduction of the separated area for performances has been a great success and welcomed by both artistes and customers. It has provided a clear and defined performance space for the solo performers and the bands with a clear separation from the customers. The artistes are free to perform without interruption and, most importantly their amplifiers and other expensive equipment are safely to the rear out of harm’s way.

"Several of the regular performers are disabled, one sight impaired and two physically disabled. They have particularly benefited in safety terms from the introduction of the stage and have congratulated Claire following its introduction.

"Customers and visitors to the pub enjoy a more involved experience as the performers can now be seen from the a much larger area of the available floorspace. In addition, people no longer congregate in such numbers around the performance area allowing much easier access around the entrance door for customers, especially those in wheelchairs of whom there are several regulars.”

The statement added that the impact of the development on the designated Conservation Area was strictly limited. However, after concern for the protection of the stained glass window at the front of the pub was raised by council officers, it is now proposed that a temporary barrier be introduced to protect the window when bands/artistes are playing.

It is understood the police, a fire officer and environmental health officer have all visited the premises and offered their support for the retention of the performance area.

Manager Claire Tomlinson said: "If the stage gets removed there will be fewer opportunities to bring the music we want to bring to Lancaster and it will put artists and audience at risk of injury and damage to equipment yet again."

A Lancaster City Council spokesperson said: "Whilst the occupiers are within their rights to submit a listed building application for the retention of the works, they have been advised that it is unlikely to be approved owing to the nature of the construction and its impact on the listed building."