Residents of Silvertown are voicing concerns over noise and disturbances emanating from The Cause nightclub, located in The Silver Building on Dock Road. The issue was brought before the Newham Council Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee on 14 August 2025, as part of a new premises licence application for the venue.
The application, submitted by DL Food & Drink Ltd, seeks permission for extended hours for the supply of alcohol, plays, films, live music, recorded music, dance performances, and late-night refreshment. The proposed hours include operation until 06:00 on Friday and Saturday nights.
However, the application has met with resistance from local ward councillors and residents, who cite concerns about public nuisance. Councillors Steve Brayshaw and Caroline Adaja have formally objected to the licence request. Councillor Brayshaw stated that they had received numerous complaints from residents regarding noise and disturbance late at night, and that revellers do no leave quietly.
He noted that taxi horns and traffic exacerbate the problem for residents on the western side of Britannia Village. Residents have also complained about general noise and disturbance late at night.
Laurence Passera, a tenant of The Silver Building, also lodged a complaint, stating that the existing nightclub operations are already disruptive. According to his representation included in the Public reports pack, club patrons queue alongside his units, impeding equipment deliveries. He also raised concerns about potential clashes with his own guest evenings, as well as broader issues of drug use and a recent stabbing incident. Following the stabbing incident, The Cause added extra security. The Public reports pack also outlines several actions to discourage drug use, including a No Search: No Entry policy
, regular checks of toilet areas, and harm reduction information.
Passera suggested that the licence be reappraised to restrict The Cause to holding its own events, prohibiting third-party sub-letting, and to impose a capacity limit. He wants A capacity limit should be applied and ticket only entrance meaning a much smaller and controllable number of customers.
The Public reports pack includes the Silver Building Event Operational Procedures, derived from the Event Safety Management Plan (ESMP). The procedures cover various aspects of event management, including pre-event planning, fire safety, third-party promoters, capacities, alcohol sales, CCTV, security, drug and weapons action, noise management, child protection, staff training, and dispersal policy. The ESMP includes several measures to mitigate noise pollution:
- Produce an Acoustic report showing noise reduction calculations from a qualified consultant for the south side of the studio 100 and the bar and mezzanine with recommendations for sound insulation improvements where required.
- Include guidance for internal sound levels that we can then set the system Loudspeaker Management Systems for each sound source, these will be digitally locked after setting with the control codes being held by the sound engineer.
- Within 28 days of granting of licence this report should be produced and EH attend site to witness set up of equipment.
- Amplified music shall not be played at a level that will cause unreasonable disturbance to the occupants of any properties in the vicinity.
- Unless contrary to fire precautions/procedures, all access and egress doors and windows {located on Dock Road} shall be kept closed whilst the licence is in use Produce an Acoustic report showing noise reduction calculations from a qualified consultant for the south side of the studio 100 and the bar and mezzanine with recommendations for sound insulation improvements where required {with doors and windows to the rear yard being closed by 22:00 when outdoor music stops}.
- Noise from music and associated sources shall not be audible in noise sensitive premises (between the hours of 22:00 and 06:00).
- A noise limiting device shall be used in relation to all sound amplification equipment used in conjunction with the premises licence.
- The noise limiting device shall be properly secured so that it cannot be tampered with.
- A clear notice shall be displayed at every exit from the premises to instruct customers to respect the needs of local residents and leave the premises and the area quietly.
- Noise from any ventilation, refrigeration or air conditioning plant or equipment shall not cause nuisance to the occupants of any properties in the vicinity.
The Public reports pack also contains the existing premises licence for the Silver Building, which permits a range of licensable activities. The existing premises licence states that amplified music should not be played at a level that will cause unreasonable disturbance and that noise from plant and equipment should not cause a nuisance.
The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee will consider the application and the representations made before making a determination.