Support mounts as Lancaster pub bids to keep under-threat live music stage

A Lancaster pub has received "incredible support" as it bids to keep its popular live music stage after the council ordered its removal.

Ye Olde John O'Gaunt has submitted a planning application to retain the stage at the front of the pub.

The stage was installed at the Market Street venue earlier this year and has proven a big hit with musicians, customers and staff alike.

But Lancaster City Council warned landlady Claire Tomlinson to remove the stage and was warned that enforcement action would be taken unless she does.

This is because installing the stage needs special consent from the council, as the John O'Gaunt is a listed building - meaning the Market Street pub is of special historical interest and importance.

"We already have incredible support from people in the area as well as local councillors, regulatory authorities and people who are qualified to judge the beneficial nature of this improvement to the pub on the grounds of safety and also the protection of listed assets," said a post on the pub's Facebook page.

"What we need now is you…the users of the pub and citizens of Lancaster and surrounding areas to add your voice to our campaign to retain this asset. It protects the listed window at the front from crowd surge and also improves massively public safety at all times.

"Please take five minutes to support our planning application by adding your views. We will be eternally grateful if you do. Not everyone can perform on our stage - but everyone can perform by writing to save it!

"Save Our Stage…Please!"

Lancaster Business Improvement District (BID), commenting on the council website, has supported keeping the stage.

"Lancaster BID strongly supports this application to retain the stage in Ye Olde John O'Gaunt," they said.

"The proposal has no impact at all to the exterior of the listed building or conservation area and has a positive impact inside the pub to ensure the viability of the premises as a thriving city centre business."

Local band Sold to the Sky (pictured below), posting on their Facebook page, said: "We are a group of musicians who perform regularly at the John O'Gaunt, and have done for many years, both pre and post erection of the stage. To be absolutely clear, the addition of this stage has been wonderful, and beneficial to everyone.

"Before the stage was there, the area for musicians to set up was cramped, and it meant that the band and equipment came out further into the pub than it does now. As it was all on the floor, it was dangerous. Many times we have had speaker stands knocked over, microphone stands knocked into our teeth, and while we've always enjoyed playing in the Gaunt, it was often quite a stressful experience. It wasn't much good for customers either, people behind the first two rows couldn't really see, and it led to a large push towards the front of the pub. People coming into the pub often had to step amongst the performers to get to the bar.

"The stage has alleviated all these issues. The performers and our equipment are protected by the stage and railings. We are two feet higher than the customers, so people can safely watch the band right to the back of the pub. This has meant a more even spread of customers in the pub and a safer and more enjoyable experience for all.

"There is no sound argument for its removal, and certainly no support for it."

An online 'Save the John O'Gaunt stage' petition, set up by musician Sam Frank, has had more than 1500 signatures.

In October, Claire Tomlinson spoke to Beyond Radio about the campaign to keep the stage.

Read more: INTERVIEW: Music fans rally around Lancaster pub landlady after council orders her to remove stage - Beyond Radio

A Lancaster City Council spokesperson said in October: "The city council received a complaint in April of this year regarding the construction of a stage inside the John O’Gaunt public house on Market Street, Lancaster.

"The property is a Grade II listed building which means that most works to the building would ordinarily require listed building consent.

"Investigations, including site inspections by city council officers confirmed that the work did require listed building consent and that this had not been obtained. 

"Carrying out work without obtaining Listed Building Consent is a criminal offence. However to avoid enforcement action being taken against the occupiers of the building, the city council has given them the opportunity to cease any further works and to remove the stage.

"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."

Ye Olde John O'Gaunt is owned by Heineken Star Pubs and Bars.

A Star Pubs and Bars spokesperson said: “John O’Gaunt in Lancaster is leased to an independent operator who has been successful in creating a much loved venue with a loyal following in the local community and beyond.  We hope the matter regarding the stage can be resolved quickly so neither the operator, nor its customers, lose out.”

The listed building application to retain the performance area stage is available in the Lancaster City Council website planning section.