A popular music venue has warned it is under “serious threat” if plans to build a block of flats nearby get the go-ahead.

MOTH club, a former servicemen’s club that has hosted gigs by the likes of Lady Gaga and Foo Fighter Dave Grohl, has asked people to object to the six-storey block in Morning Lane, Hackney.

Under plans submitted to Hackney Council, seven flats would be built in the new building, with shop space on the ground floor level.

In an Instagram post last week, the club said: “As well as hosting live shows, comedy, film and club nights MOTH has been in existence since 1972 as an ex-serviceperson club and is still used by MOTH members regularly with monthly meetings held in their private meeting room in the upper parts of the premises.

“Any new builds will pose a serious threat to the future of our venue and the gold ceiling!”

Eric Andrews, the club’s general manager, also told Time Out that there were fears that the new flats’ balconies would look onto the back of the club.

He said: “We feel the block will create a real shadow over the venue.”

“We really feel [the development] would ruin something we’ve all worked tirelessly for years to create,” he added.

In response, Stephen Davy Peter Smith Architects, which is involved in possible designs for the new flats, told Time Out: “As far as we are aware, the planning application is with the local planning authority and is currently going through their consultation process where local residents and businesses will be given the opportunity to comment on the application.”

Although the plans appear to have first been lodged in June, the development is still awaiting a decision from Hackney Council.

You can find more details of the plans at the council’s planning portal under reference (2024/1260).