Fantasy studio plan rejected

Plans for a controversial 'fantasy role-play studio' in a Gateshead suburb have been turned down by the local council.

Susanne Pitt, a dominatrix, applied for planning permission for the studio in a former office building in Swalwell.

More than 250 people living and working in the area fought to stop the studio opening in a windowless flat above an Italian takeaway on Front Street.

Protesters sent letters and petitions to Gateshead Council expressing concerns that it would attract undesirable characters and could affect women's safety - which Mrs Pitt denied.

Strong opposition

Local resident Rebecca Rayne said: "We've all got children, grandchildren, and we don't want them going down the street to the pizza shop and seeing those kind of things coming out.

"If they go in there, and they say there isn't going to be any sex, when those men come out of here they're going to be wanting sex."

Mrs Pitt, 49, who works under the name of Lily von Frauenau, said that the proposals were not immoral or illegal.

The scheme was turned down, despite a recommendation from the council's planning executives that it should go ahead.

Mrs Pitt must now choose whether to appeal against the decision.