Fetish club gives planning another crack of the whip
A proposed adult club has renewed its bid to set up shop in the Black Country.
Plans for the Valhalla Club in Dudley were blocked in December when a group of councillors refused planning permission.
But since then a separate committee granted a licence for the club in Dock Lane, opposite Dudley Leisure Centre, to sell alcohol and air live and recorded music.
Now boss Clive Thomson is again seeking planning permission.
Council officers have recommended the plans be approved at a council planning committee meeting on Tuesday.
The latest application describes the club as a 'social club with photographic studio' – the previous submission was for a 'private members' club with photographic studio'.
In December planning committee chairman, Councillor Qadar Zada, raised concerns about the type of activity which would take place at the club. But bosses at Valhalla have repeatedly insisted there would be no sexual acts carried out at the site, merely fetish sessions and roleplay.
The latest application states other groups which would use the club include wheelchair users, gay groups, Lesbians Against Prejudice and Women Against Violence.
It adds: "We see the use of the premises as a boost to the local economy, a show that homophobic views do not exist, and that prejudices are unfounded within the social acceptances welcomed within Dudley."
