Dudley fetish club wins planning battle

Planning permission for Valhalla had twice been thrown out by Dudley Council over concerns about its impact on the community – despite the same council granting it an alcohol licence.

But the Planning Inspectorate has now overturned the ruling and granted planning permission for the venue in Dock Lane.

The club runs events for swingers and 'alternative lifestyle' groups.

Inspector JP Roberts said: "The council alleges that the use would be incompatible with the social and cultural cohesion of the community. However, without explanation or evidence, this reason for refusal lacks credibility.

"I have had regard to the petition submitted to the council. I note that few of the signatories live close to the appeal site and many live some miles away. Many of the signatories gave no address or the addresses given were illegible.

"The petition raises concerns about public safety, particularly that of children, crime and disturbance, but provides no explanation as to how such concerns arise from the proposed use, and there is nothing in anything I have read which gives any indication that harm would be caused to social or cultural cohesion."

The venue's website describes it as a 'lifestyle social club' with a bar, lounge, playrooms, changing rooms, shower and photographic facilities.

Upcoming events include a Foot Fetish Feast and Girls Nite Out. It has already been operating for a number of months but will now become a permanent fixture in the town. Bosses at Valhalla have repeatedly insisted there are no sexual acts carried out at the site but there would be fetish sessions and role play.

A petition of objection signed by 66 residents was handed to the council while more than 30 objections were submitted when the plans resurfaced earlier this year.

In January a separate committee granted the venue a licence to sell alcohol and for live and recorded music.

On the parking concerns, Mr Roberts added: "The site is located in a sustainable area, within walking distance of residential areas and close to public transport links.

"There is off-street parking on Dock Lane should overspill parking be required, which would not result in highway dangers."

Bosses at Valhalla were unavailable to comment.