A 600-year-old Stepney pub and iconic music venue has been given a new lifeline, thanks in part to a humble stairway – the latest twist in an eight-year dispute over planning permission.
The George Tavern, of Commercial Road, has been involved in a planning row with property developers Swan Housing since 2008 over the proposal of a six-flat development to be built on the site of the adjacent Stepney’s Nightclub – now derelict.
The “totally unique and enchanting” Grade-II listed venue’s case was heard in the Court of Appeals yesterday after a 2014 ruling found there was no conflict between the pub and the proposed developments.
The pub stands alone three floors tall, and the resulting 360 degrees of light have also made it a popular venue for location photoshoots and films.
Whilst the issue of noise was most pressing in court, it was found that a previous inspection failed to address this as a second source of revenue. The court heard that the new development would block light coming into the pub’s “beautiful” stairway, which was “featured in every photoshoot and film.”
Representing pub owner and artist Pauline Forster, 67, Annabel Graham-Paul said: “It was a serious omission not to deal with the location business.
“Revenue from the location business pays for the pub’s mortgage, upkeep and restoration,” she said.
Richard Brown, speaking for Swan Housing, said: “The effects are negligible…this is a subsidiary part of a subsidiary issue.”
In a story that has become commonplace in east London, the court also heard that just one noise complaint could seriously jeopardise the pub’s 3am music license, which is its bread and butter.
Despite serious noise levels coming from the pub – which has been used as a live music venue since Forster bought it at auction in 2002 – inspectors found noise levels to be acceptable for a residential development.
This was thrown into question when Graham-Paul raised the issue of open windows, and balconies which would be located “directly above the beer garden.”
Lords Justice Laws, Justice McFarlane and Justice Christopher Clarke presided over the case. They reserved their decision for the time being.
The George Tavern has been frequented by celebrities and hosted many world famous bands such as Pete Doherty and Nick Cave. A previous planning application by Swan in 2008 saw a huge outcry, including the creation of the famous “Save the George Tavern” t-shirts worn by Kate Moss and Amy Winehouse amongst others. Several supporters wearing the t-shirts were present at the hearing.
Steeped in history, it was allegedly referenced by Chaucer, Dickens and Samuel Pepys but its date of construction is unknown,
James Ketchel, founder of charity Music Heritage UK, said: “The George Tavern is a crucial grassroots music venue and cultural hub giving a stage to countless up and coming bands, and is a vital asset to the local community.
“Pauline Forster has opened up her pub and venue to musicians, artists, actors, poets and performers for over 10 years, while resorting the Grade-II listed building to its former glory. For all of this to be threatened for the sake of a handful of “luxury” flats is a crying shame.”
“Music Heritage UK is proud to be supporting her campaign to keep live music and performance at the George, in what is, let’s be frank, a cultural desert.”
The next event in the campaign to raise awareness and secure the venue’s future is the “Save the George Tavern” festival, taking place from June 24 to 27.
The George Tavern is a huge asset to the local community, it is very well loved by so many local people, Pauline is a complete inspiration and what happens in that pub is unique and creative. We are very close neighbours and we think it is vitally important that this development is stopped so that The George can continue. We also think it is criminal that Swan Housing put no value on the Stepney Nightclub, while it might be ‘derelict’ I think it is the only club of its kind remaining in the country and has been the scene for many important cultural events. Swan Housing’s website claims to deliver exemplary communities, what nonsense, if they had any genuine concern for the community they would listen to the thousands of local people that have signed petitions to support The George Tavern
LIGHT AT END OF TUNNEL :LIVE MUSIC VENUE WINS AT COURT OF APPEAL, BUT BATTLE CONTINUES
The Court of Appeal have ruled in favour of East London music venue and pub, The George Tavern, by overturning a planning decision to allow new flats to be built in close proximity to the established venue. The George has hosted the likes of Nick Cave, Plan B, John Cooper Clarke, The Magic Numbers, Kodaline and even Sir Roger Penrose on its intimate stage. The decision means that the George has won this round of legal battles, but further legal appeals may lie ahead.
The judgment turned on the fact that the luxury flats would have seriously jeopardised the unique location and photography business at the George since the only natural light source onto the first and second storey landings and historic staircase would have been eliminated. Profits from this business pay the mortgage, subsidise the live music venue and fund the ongoing restoration of the 600 year-old Grade II listed building based in Stepney, East London.
The court also had a lot to say about the way that developments like this threaten traditional live music venues in London due to the risk of noise complaints.
Landlady Pauline Forster has been fighting plans to build on the site adjacent to the grassroots music venue for nine years and has been backed by a number of celebrities and artists including Kaiser Chiefs’ singer, and The Voice judge, Ricky Wilson, Amy Winehouse, Lianne La Havas, Florence & The Machine, Olympian diver Tom Daley, super-models Kate Moss and Georgia May Jagger, and actor Sir Ian McKellen. Over 6,000 have signed petitions calling for the George Tavern to be saved.
The George was represented at the Court of Appeal by barrister, Annabel Graham Paul of Francis Taylor Building, and Harry Campbell and Susan Ring of Harrison Grant Solicitors. The Secretary of State has applied to the Judges to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court; whether they will be successful remains to be seen.
Barrister Annabel Graham Paul said, “This judgment shows the courts really are prepared to protect grassroots music venues in London and warns planners not to take a one size fits all approach. Pauline Forster has battled tirelessly to save The George Tavern and this is fantastic result for her and for grassroots music venues further afield too”.
Landlady Pauline Forster said, “I am relieved and happy that the Judges have recognised the importance of the historic George Tavern, a local pub, live music venue, film, fashion and art shoot location, and my home. I have battled tirelessly over nine nine years for something I truly love and believe in. And I will continue to do so. May the light shine through and live music live on!”
James Ketchell, Chief Executive of Music Heritage UK, who have been supporting the campaign said, “This is a huge victory for the entire live music community in London and for grassroots campaigning. It’s now time for the developers to do the right thing, realise they should cut their losses, and scrap these inappropriate plans.”
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For more information, photos, or an interview, please contact landlady
Pauline Forster on 07720 241 458 or at pauline.georgetavern@gmail.com.
Alternatively, please contact James Ketchell at Music Heritage UK
on 07850 374 815 or at james@musicheritageuk.org
.