Lap dancing club near Dundee's cathedral refused over fears it would lead to increase in “sexually-stimulated men”

PLANS for a new lap dancing club, across the road from Dundee's cathedral, have been rejected over fears it would lead to an increase in “sexually-stimulated men”

The application by Blueholme Limited wanted to reburbish a former nightclub in Dundee and transform it into an adult entertainment centre.

The application by Blueholme Limited wanted to reburbish a former nightclub in Dundee and transform it into an adult entertainment centre.

But the application was was unanimously voted down yesterday by Dundee City Council’s licensing board saying it could lead to high number of sexually excited men in an area which has an prostitution problem.

Among those to object was the Dundee Violence Against Women Partnership (DVAWP).

DVAWP’s Sophie Gwyther, said: “The venue being proposed is within a short distance of the area of Maryfield which is already affected by on-street prostitution.

“The potential for the area currently affected to spread to towards the Seagate area, or for women involved in prostitution in the existing area to be further exploited by increased numbers seeking them out, is significant.

“It could lead to a high number of sexually-stimulated men in the area.”

She added that activities such as lap dancing are forms of “commercial sexual exploitation, violence against women, and are a breach of women’s human rights”.

Businesses and residents also objected, saying the proximity of St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral and a currently closed infant nursery showed such a club would be contrary to the character of the area.

He said: “I would refute claims of possible increased crime and anti-social behaviour.

“There are clubs of this nature all over Scotland. I have yet to see any information brought forward about there being any impact on crime in those areas.

“The area is already full of bars, cafes and clubs. We acknowledge there is a church nearby and objections about this are perfectly valid. However, we would not be open at all during the day.”

Mr MacIver added Kirkcaldy’s new Sin Strip Club is similarly close to a church but this did not prevent the business from being granted a licence.

The board’s convener Stewart Hunter said: “What I’m going to do is recommend refusal of this application on the basis of the location.

“I appreciate that as the applicant has stated, there are other premises located in similar areas in Scotland but we have to use our local knowledge.”

Following the decision, when approached, Mr Cox made no comment.