You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image.

Soundproofing rules could be updated in Dunedin to give music venues and inner-city residents a better chance of co-existing in harmony.

Bolstering the standard for acoustic insulation is likely to be considered when the district plan is next revisited, Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins signalled.

That is due to happen this year.

Noise regulations returned to the spotlight last week when plans were revealed for apartments to be built next to The Crown Hotel, a long-standing music venue in Rattray St.

There have been fears this could lead to noise complaints, making it harder for the venue to function and compromising Dunedin’s music scene.

The situation at The Crown has frustrated music sector advocates, who had warned of such a scenario.

Anchorage Properties Ltd director Lincoln Darling has said the mixture of residential, commercial and retail space in his planned building at Rattray St would enhance the area and complement The Crown Hotel next door.

Mr Hawkins would not be drawn on whether existing rules were robust enough to protect a venue such as The Crown against unreasonable noise complaints.

However, he said planning suggestions had been made in a report that arose from a live music action plan and they included a proposal to strengthen the performance standard for acoustic insulation.

That was among approaches already being considered as part of work on Variation 3 to the second-generation district plan, which is to be notified later this year.

The experience of Moray Pl venue Dog With Two Tails concerning noise complaints was highlighted during last year’s council 10-year plan discussions and had been a catalyst for proposed changes.

"There will be the opportunity to consider any planning proposals from the live music action plan as part of variation 3," Mr Hawkins said.

The district plan already recognised noise could be louder in particular areas of the city, such as the central business district, he said.

"At the same time, we want to encourage residential development in the city centre to support our growing population, the viability of the area and our zero-carbon goals," Mr Hawkins said.

"It isn’t going to suit everyone, and certainly not people looking for the quiet life, but it is an attractive proposition for an increasing number of people."

Mr Hawkins said the district plan permitted higher noise levels, including live music, in such areas.

"It also sets higher minimum acoustic insulation standards for new building developments in these locations."

Mr Hawkins said there was some onus on developers of new buildings to "protect themselves" from higher-noise environments.

Save Dunedin Live Music spokesman David Bennett, a sound engineer by profession, said the existing rules were not up to scratch.

Dunedin was behind the game on getting its zoning and planning provisions right, he said.

Good planning and strong regulation would provide a remedy, but not if the city was half-hearted about it.

grant.miller@odt.co.nz

We are the South's eyes and ears in crucial council meetings, at court hearings, on the sidelines of sporting events and on the frontline of breaking news.

As our region faces uncharted waters in the wake of a global pandemic, Otago Daily Times continues to bring you local stories that matter.

We employ local journalists and photographers to tell your stories, as other outlets cut local coverage in favour of stories told out of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

You can help us continue to bring you local news you can trust by becoming a supporter.