In the past twenty four hours, Bristol City Council have met with Complex Development Projects LTD where plans to build 36 flats as well as numerous restaurants, shops and a five story office building have been approved. Despite the threat posed to the existence of the Thekla, the Council have overlooked the inadequacy of building more homes near a venue where noise complaints have already been an issue to The Pollution Team. As if the development could be any more detrimental to Bristol, it has only promised a measly THREE affordable homes within the complex, Redcliffe Wharf is hardly serving the needs of Bristol’s affordable housing crisis . As voiced by those present in the meeting including DHP’s Julie Tippins and Thekla owner Alex Black, the decision to advance the plans has made them “bitterly dissapointed.” A number of councillors and a member of the public also added that there are a number of homeless individuals who take shelter in the derelict buildings in Redcliffe Quay, which CDP are currently planning to demolish. Not only does this decision seem selfish to our music culture but also to Bristolian society. The fact that CDP purchased the prime location for £777,000 in comparison to nearby land (which has sold for £3 million ) raises some questions between Bristol City Council and CDPs’ corporate relationship. National standards state that 20-40% of housing should be made affordable, where as CDP have managed to convince Bristol Council that only 8% is acceptable in order for them to make profit. I feel that this will our increase our power to save Thekla when clearly CDP are no friend of the Bristol people. Bristol City Council, by request of the Thekla have promised to carry out a thorough sound check at a weekend since the last one made was on a quieter night in the week where there would be less accurate results . Only then will it be likely that we know if the Thekla has a chance to withstand CDP’s plans. Thekla have thanked everyone for their continued support stating that they are “overwhelmed” in a Facebook post. Thekla have urged everyone to make as much noise as possible by contacting their local councillors and MPs to help appeal against the decision. This support is absolutely needed; during last nights meeting plans were approved shockingly by 10 votes to one. Central Labour Councillor Kye Dudd was the only member to object the plans. We need much more support where decisions are being made so please don’t hesistate to get in touch with those who are currently dictating the authority. Artists and bands joining the #SaveThekla campaign are also an incredibly important asset; Roni Size, Four Tet, Keane and Guy Denning are just a handful who have partaken in the campaign so far. Please if you know artists or are one yourself we are saving this place for you most importantly, spread the word! Thekla is our boat. We refuse to accept another attempt to destroy the soul of our city. #SaveThekla Statistics and Image courtesy of the Bristol Post.