Brunswick music venue Howler’s future safeguarded after Moreland Council denies apartment plans

ICONIC Brunswick music venue Howler will rock on after plans for a neighbouring apartment block were knocked back.

A full house rocks Brunwsick’s Howler. Picture: Facebook

ICONIC Brunswick music venue Howler will rock on after plans for a neighbouring apartment block were knocked back.

The decision is a win for the cult venue, with its owner fearing a neighbouring apartment block would eventually silence the venue due to noise complaints from residents.

The 74-apartment proposal was unanimously rejected by Moreland Council last night.

“These apartments as proposed would adversely effect the livelihood of Howler,” owner Brendan Brogan last night told the council.

Howler hosts live music, theatre, cinema and art exhibitions, and also has a garden bar and DJ booth.

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Plans for the apartment block at 8-14 Michael St, from developer Renzo Tonin and Associates, received 426 objections.

South Ward councillor Lambros Tapinos last night said details of soundproofing in the building plans were “insufficient”.

“It’s not fair to the venue or the future residents of the building if we don’t take the sound issue seriously now ... if people moved in here we would have to deal with further issues of residents complaining about noise. It’s about taking care of that now in the planning stage,” Cr Tapinos said.

“Residents would expect us to do everything possible to protect Howler and other live music venues — they are very important.”

Renzo Tonin and Associates declined to comment.

The council’s decidion could still be appealed at the state planning tribunal.