MUFC overcomes challenge to pop venue status

Manchester United FC, advised by planning consultancy Paul Butler Associates, has strengthened its consent to host concerts on seven days each year.

Trafford Council approved the application by Paul Butler, made on the club's behalf, following concerns raised by a recent court case that found rugby stadium Twickenham could not be used for concerts under its existing planning terms.

Old Trafford has hosted concerts on an irregular basis since 1991 and it had been assumed that this use was consistent with its planning status as a football stadium. Manchester United took the decision to formalise the situation at Old Trafford by applying for planning permission.

The last concert to be held at Old Trafford was in June 2008 when Bruce Springsteen played to almost 50,000 people. Rod Stewart, Bon Jovi and Genesis have also performed at the stadium. These concerts were permitted by the council's licensing committee.

The club's football commitments mean that the concert events will only be held between the end of May and the end of June to ensure that the quality of the pitch is protected. Noise levels will continue to be monitored from the stadium as before. A 10:30pm curfew will also be in place.

Tom Flanagan, director of Paul Butler Associates, based in Salford, said: "The concerts will have a positive impact on tourism development and improve facilities in Trafford as well as creating new job opportunities for local people."

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It’s about time we held concerts again at the theatre of dreams, im sure mega stars would prefer to perform at the most famous football stadium, and take the glory away from city’s ground

By Brian barritt

I’m not sure the mega stars are that bothered. The Etihad is walkable from the city centre and therefore better able to cope with the crowds

By creep

a post being commented on after 7 years? Wow! Having seen the stone roses at the etihad at the weekend though I agree than Old Trafford is a far better stadium and would be a more iconic gig venue. Etihad didn’t cope well with crowd dispersal at all creep

By Dave

I didn’t say cope well, I said cope better. I watched thousands walking back along Old Mill Street. Better that than Chester Road.

By creep

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