Fears of future applications as lapdancing club is granted licence

Castle Point Council granted a sexual entertainment venue licence for a unit in Brunel Road, on the Manor Trading Estate.

It is the first such venue to apply for a licence within the borough.

The application received 35 objections, including one from Rebecca Harris MP, borough councillor Clive Walter, a church, nearby Robert Drake Primary School and 31 residents.

But licensing officers warned the decision would be based on the letter of the law and “should not be based on moral grounds”.

Addressing a council licensing sub-committee meeting on Friday, Benfleet resident Roger Bates expressed fears more clubs could appear.

He said: “The concern I have is one of precedent.

“If this application is granted, it is difficult to see what reasons there could be for turning one down in the future.

“This is a material change in the character of Benfleet and Castle Point.”

Mr Walter, councillor for St George’s, said: “It is one thing for the police to say there’s no objection, but quite another for them to have the budget to look after this in a proactive manner.”

But lawyer David Dadds, representing applicant Glenn Smith, said: “This is a lawful use and there will be people within this community that will want to make use of it.

“If there’s not a demand, this type of business will not exist.

“It is in an industrial area and as such its operation cannot be seen to be in any way inappropriate.

Most customers want to come discreetly, use the facilities and go.”

Chairman Peter Burch said: “We consider the arguments made by the objectors don’t contain sufficient reasons to reject the application, but we do understand the concerns raised.

“We believe the police and other relevant authorities have agreed stringent conditions with the applicant to properly regulate the premises.”

Mr Smith, of G and K Groundworks, applied for permission to open from 8pm to 5am daily, but the committee insisted on a 10pm opening time.