Appeal against pole-dancing club

Police want the city council to reverse its decision to allow the club

Police are to lodge an appeal against a pole-dancing club in Plymouth approved by the city council.

Last week the council granted licensing permission for the Pilgrims Sports Bar, on the Barbican, to turn an upstairs bar into a pole-dancing club.

Police and residents opposed the plans, saying it would lead to the area's deterioration and was also against the city's so-called "saturation policy".

The club still has to have planning permission approved before it can open.

Moving from selling beer to pole-dancing is a major variation Ch Supt Jim Webster

The pub is in an area where the council wants to control the number of bars and clubs that operate in order to avoid disorder.

However, councillors approved the plans after taking legal advice that said they had insufficient powers to deny permission under the Licensing Act and the council's own policies.

Devon and Cornwall Police said that they were calling on legal experts to examine if major changes of use in premises would be covered by the policy.

Ch Supt Jim Webster said: "It's my belief that the policy covers both new licences and major variations.

Interests of community

"In my view, any change moving from selling beer to pole-dancing is a major variation.

"It's important to test out what the cumulative impact policy really means."

Licensee Richard Netherton still has to get planning permission before he can open the club.

The building needs fire and safety facilities upgraded. Changing facilities for dancers must also be provided.

Mr Netherton said conditions would be in place to safeguard the interests of the community.

They include strict age and membership requirements, plus only allowing a maximum of 75 people in the club.