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‘Sex licence’ granted
A CONTROVERSIAL lapdancing venue has been given the green light in Ampthill town centre.
Central Bedfordshire Council planning committee approved the scheme on Monday afternoon for the venue in Church Street.
Licensing chair Councillor David Bowater announced the decision to the chamber, and a packed public gallery of residents opposing the scheme.
The Sexual Entertainments License is subject to conditions from the police and council and must not display any signage, related to the entertainment on offer, outside the premisis.
The applicant, Lord John Shayler was not present at the meeting and was instead represented by licensing consultant Frank Fender.
Mr Fender said: “Ampthill Town Council website lists the population of Ampthill as approximately 7,000, this means that just 1.71 per cent of Ampthill’s population have offered objections. Over 98 per cent of the population and 96 per cent of households hold no objections.”
86 people formally objected to the licence being approved, and there were jointly-signed letters from 18 objectors and 15 objectors.
Lord Shayler has previously run a coffee shop, restaurant and antiques shop there. The building has been empty for around four years.
During the meeting the committee heard a number of representations from residents opposed to the plans.
Laura Douglas, a mother of three who lives in the town, said: “There is going to be no signage, but do you want potential customers asking young people how to get into the venue?”
What do you think of the news? Email your views to hayley.okeeffe@jpress.co.uk
To read a full report of the meeting pick up a copy of Thursday’s Times & Citizen.
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Weather for Bedford
Saturday 25 May 2013
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