Council criticised over table dancing row

The plans included a restaurant with exotic dancing

A council has been severely criticised by the government Ombudsman for withdrawing a lease granted for a table dancing club.

Nottingham City Council agreed to grant David Morgan the lease to run the club in September 1998.

The offer was withdrawn in February last year after opposition from local residents.

The Ombudsman's report published on Wednesday decided that the council was guilty of maladministration causing injustice.

Local people objected to the table dancing club

Mr Morgan wanted to open a restaurant, called "Teasers", that featured "exotic dancing and live strip shows".

In 1998 Nottingham City Council agreed that Mr Morgan could lease the property if he obtained the appropriate public entertainment and liquor licences.

After objections from local residents that it could turn their neighbourhood into a red light district, the council decided it would not allow the club to operate.

Mr Morgan then complained to the Local Government Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman's report into the case said the application to lease the premises, made to the council in 1998, made it quite clear what type of entertainment would be provided at the restaurant.

We have a duty to people in The Meadows who didn't want this sex club, and those people are our first consideration

Graham Chapman, Nottingham City Council

The Ombudsman considered that the council was not entitled to mislead the applicant by first agreeing to grant him the lease and the refusing it 17 months later on grounds known on the first occasion.

It has recommended the council pay the businessman £2,500 and either grant him the lease or pay him compensation for costs.

Graham Chapman, the leader of Nottingham City Council, said: "We consider the event regrettable but we have a duty to people in The Meadows who didn't want this sex club, and those people are our first consideration."

Nottingham City Council said it would be reviewing its procedures in the light of the criticism.