Plans to turn a former warehouse into a swingers club in Armley could be approved by councillors next week.
The proposed new club, off Ledgard Way, is being recommended for approval by council planning officers, despite 11 letters of local objection.
Plans include a reception area, bar (serving only non-alcoholic drinks) and 12 private rooms.
Other facilities include changing areas, WCs and ancillary office/staff facilities. The operation will employ four full-time employees, however there would only be two or three staff at any one time at the premises, as they will work in shifts.
The private members’ club, which will be based at the back of Pet and Aquatic World, would open 7pm-midnight weekdays and Bank Holidays, and 7pm until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Local objections include the closeness of the neighbouring Aviary estate and a local primary school, the moriality of the plans, extra traffic at a busy juntion and the number of ‘sex-related’ businesses in the area which include Cocktails sex shop and gay sauna The Steam Complex.
Armley councillors Alison Lowe and James McKenna have also opposed the plans, and there has been one general comment from a local church.
A report to be considered by councillors on the South and West Plans Panel next Thursday concludes:
“It is not considered the proposed use would have an adverse impact on residential amenity, or the character of the locality, due to the location of the application and the nature of the use.
“The proposed use is considered to be best suited to a discreet location in a commercial setting, and it is considered this application site provides this.
“The development would ensure that a soon-to-be-vacated property remains occupied, and provides an adequate level of parking for its size, and function.”
The officer also says the premises would ‘provide a discreet, clean, safe and controlled environment for like-minded adults to meet and potentially engage in legal sexual activities, within the private rooms provided.’
The report can be read in full ahead of the Civic Hall meeting here.
The Dispatch covered the submission of the plans here and last month featured concerns from residents attending Armley Forum.
