Ministry of Sound boss celebrates landmark agreement with developer over noise

The iconic nightclub, in Elephant & Castle, has reached an agreement with developer Englewood regarding the proposed planning application for Eileen House, which will be just metres away from the club, allowing the Ministry of Sound to continue to make the current levels of noise without fear of complaint from future residents of the development. The decision was approved by Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

It means the development of the Eileen House site can take place without threatening the continuing existence of the nightclub. Bosses had feared that complaints about disturbance from new residents would lead to the club losing its 24-hour licence.

Through a section 106 agreement, the proposed development is also subject to a very high level of acoustic protection.

'Planning breakthrough'​

Lohan Presencer, chief executive of Ministry of Sound Group, said: "We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Englewood Ltd that safeguards our future while allowing new development in Southwark. 

"This is a significant planning breakthrough for London, setting a precedent for how new housing and existing businesses can live together. 

"We are grateful to the Mayor for his efforts and look forward to welcoming our new neighbours to the area." 

'Landmark agreement'​

Chris Shaw, of Shaw Corporation on behalf of the applicants, Englewood, said: "We are happy to have reached this landmark agreement with Ministry of Sound Group. It will enable us to deliver much needed housing to London while ensuring the nightclub remains fully protected. 

"This agreement means that both sides can truly co-exist in Southwark. We look forward to working together to achieve this objective. With the grant of planning consent and subject to the necessary approvals regarding the demolition of the existing Eileen House, building is due to commence early in 2014 with the main development following soon afterwards."