Manchester planners back strip club

PLANNERS in Manchester are set to approve a retrospective application to permit a strip club on Deansgate.

The Baby Blue club opened in January at a former Riley’s snooker hall above La Tasca

The council had granted a sex establishment licence for the premises but the business required a full planning permission for a change of use before it could operate legitimately.

Wallsend-based ABA Leisure (Seven) is behind the club, while the property is owned by Knutsofrd-based La Roque Trust Company (Manchester).

Greater Manchester Police objected to the granting of a sex establishment licence, arguing it was against council policy to allow such a bar near historic buildings and places of worship.

Planning officers are recommending the application is approved tomorrow. Their report states: “Whilst there have been objections these have all been for, or on behalf of, local businesses rather than local residents.

“And whilst the concerns of these businesses are noted, this is on balance considered to be an acceptable use for this location and not one, given its discreet frontage, that will materially affect their businesses – subject to adequate measures being in place to limit the outbreak of noise from the unit and the limitation on the hours of operation.”