Council keen to block Baby Platinum expansion plan

MANCHESTER City Council is poised to knock back plans for a lap dancing club on the edge of the Northern Quarter.

The Newcastle-based business behind the Baby Platinum chain, ABA Leisure, wants to open a venue at 1-3 Swan Street where Oldham Road meets Great Ancoats Street.

A document filed with the council states, “The applicants have stated that the use would include a bar and entertainment including striptease, lap dancing, pole dancing and stage shows and believe that the proposed use is entirely appropriate to its context and the adjacent mix of uses.”

But many nearby residents disagree, and have opposed the plans arguing that such a venue would be a setback for the regeneration of the Oldham Street and Ancoats areas.

Planning officers at the council have agreed and are recommending the proposal is refused when it is considered by councillors next Thursday.

In their report planning officers state: “Regeneration is determined by social factors in addition to other factors and requires local support to be successful. A lap dancing club would not contribute to creating a positive and attractive image or introduce uses of general public interest or service to the area.

“Given all of the above it is considered that the proposals would have a materially detrimental impact on continuing regeneration of the Northern Quarter including planned residential growth in this and adjacent areas and would not contribute to the vitality and viability of Swan Street/Oldham Street.”

ABA Leisure is owned by Anthony Boyd, Brad Hutchinson and Louise O’Connor. It already has two clubs in Manchester on Deansgate and Princess Street, and one in Derby.

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