Greenwich Council grants Charlton venue licence despite noise objections

Greenwich Council has granted a licence for a 5,000-capacity open-air venue in Charlton Riverside. The decision was made by the council's Licensing Sub-Committee A on August 19, despite objections from the authority's own noise team.

A noise officer from the council's Community Protection Team raised concerns that concrete at the Stone Foundries site, off Woolwich Road, could cause music to reverberate. This could disturb residents in nearby Atlas Gardens and Derrick Gardens, who the officer believed would "complain straight away".

Licensing Conditions

The venue, operated by CW Bases Ltd, will be able to open daily between 9am and 11pm, with alcohol sales permitted until 10:30pm. A number of strict conditions have been attached to the licence to address initial concerns from the Met Police and the council.

For the remainder of this year, no more than three events exceeding 1,000 attendees will be permitted. In 2026, no events hosting over 3,000 people will be allowed. From 2027, the venue can host a maximum of 10 events with over 1,000 attendees, six of which can exceed 3,000 people. Management must provide six months' advance notification for these larger events.

Further conditions include ensuring no events clash with Charlton Athletic home fixtures without prior approval. CW Bases must also provide a detailed dispersal plan for attendees leaving the venue, particularly considering Charlton Station's unstaffed hours from 8pm.

Ongoing Objections

Despite police, licensing, and health and safety teams agreeing to the conditions, the council's Community Protection Team maintained its objection. Officer Nick Dornan stated the team was "wasn’t happy" until a new noise report was conducted, as the original report was for an indoor venue. He expressed worry that large music events could be heard in the nearby residential buildings, which are over 100 years old and not well-constructed.

Hugo Kibasi, the venue manager, acknowledged the noise concerns as "a very valid concern" and stated that the applicant had worked constructively with various council teams. He assured the committee that the venue would host a diverse range of events, with music not being the primary focus for the majority.

Mr Kibasi admitted that CW Bases had not consulted with local residents prior to the licensing decision but expressed willingness to do so once the venue opens. An opening date has not yet been set.

He added that the venue's operation depends on community support and obtaining the premises licence. "Our belief is that we can positively and collaboratively work together to bring something that adds value to the local area and the local community," Mr Kibasi said.