Concert promoters have welcomed plans to lift noise restrictions in a Shrewsbury’s Quarry, claiming it could pave the way for a greater variety of music including dance acts like the Chemical Brothers.

Keith Louch, director of IML Concerts, said that the plans to remove a sound level limit could allow them to put on rock and dance acts that they would not have been able to consider in the past.

He said: “If noise levels are made more flexible it does help us to do what we do which is to put on the best possible show.

“But also as promoters we have a duty to not cause a large amount of distraction to the wider public. It’s a question of getting the balance right.”

“In the past the balance has been against concerts so hopefully this will bring things more into line. We would also hope the public would accept it’s only a couple of nights a year and it will help us put on a better show.”

Shrewsbury Town Council, which manages the Quarry, has applied to Shropshire Council to vary the premises licence.

Residents have expressed fears about the proposal, but council bosses said they wanted to reassure people the plans would not “open the floodgates”.

Criticism

The application is to remove the current sound level restriction of 65 decibels for amplified music and entertainment. The restriction has led to criticism that major acts will not come to the Quarry because they cannot play loud enough.

The council is now inviting people to comment on the application at Shirehall by June 7.

Mike Cox, outdoor recreation and asset manager for the town council, said they had applied to lift the restrictions to save staffing hours at events like the annual 80s concert.

Dr Alan Shrank, from the town centre residents’ association, said: “I haven’t discussed this with my colleagues yet, but in general we’re concerned about excessive noise in the Quarry.

“To have no limit is not fair on anybody. It’s not fair on the audience, performers or residents in the area. I’d be very surprised if my colleagues say don’t object.”

• This year’s Quarry concert will take place on July 9 and feature Tony Hadley, Rick Astley, ABC, Go West, Mica Paris and Howard Jones. For ticket information click here.

By Emma Kasprzak