Members of Armley Forum have objected to plans for a swingers club in Armley and proposals for a 22-bed hostel in a currently neglected building on Theaker Lane.
As revealed by The Dispatch, the proposed private members’ club would be based in an empty retail/warehouse unit off Ledgard Way, at the back of Pet and Aquatic World. The club would include 12 rooms and a bar selling non-alcoholic drinks.
At a public meeting last night, forum chair Cllr Jim McKenna (Lab, Armley) said that Armley already had a gay sauna – The Steam Complex – and Cocktails sex store. He added:
“I’m beginning to wonder if Armley is starting to become rife for this sort of thing.”
Applicant Anita Gniwek said in a statement submitted with the plans:
“All of the alternatives, such as meeting on the internet and then in public or private place are less controlled and ultimately less safe, particularly for more vulnerable persons. The club will provide an alternative that will help to reduce illegal sexual activity in public.”
Since the plans were advertised a month ago, there have so far been no official objections to the scheme. Cllr McKenna said both he and Cllr Alison Lowe would also be objecting.
The swingers club plans can be viewed in full here.
Theaker Lane Clinic site
The forum also agreed to object to the proposed change of use of the former Theaker Lane clinic, just off Town Street, to form a 22-bed HMO (house in multiple accupation) with six kitchens. There will also be external alterations to the building.
The meeting heard the plans were for a hostel on the site, with one resident complaining about the ‘type of occupants’ it may house. He also added:
“It will mean the loss of parking on Theaker Lane. It is very worrying.”
Cllr McKenna said councillors were anxious to get the site redeveoped as housing or flats, labelling it an ‘eyesore’. He added:
“I wouldn’t think something that you could describe as a hostel on a very small site is going to do anything to help Armley.”
The hostel plans can be viewed in full here.
Manchester has at least 6, I know of. I have been to a large number over the last 50 years and i can honestly say I have never seen no anti social behaviour what soever and It takes a lot off the streets .Get a life folks swingers are some of the most responsible folk on the planet.