As a West Suffolk Councillor I have a responsibility to my ward and to the district more widely. An example of this is the need for sex establishments to have a licence. Such an establishment has an impact in many ways on many people. If they must exist then I believe they need to be discreet, away from the general public and away from residential areas. After 22 years in the armed forces I can assure you I have an open mind but as they say a time and a place for everything.

The premises, know as Heaven, in Newmarket has applied to renew its licence. I wrote to the licensing authority at West Suffolk Council to raise my objection because of its location. I include my objection below. It seems it I would have needed to submit this objection a month ago to be considered!!! This sort of administrative neutering makes me cross. As an elected councillor it can only be democratic that my comments are heard and considered by the committee. Things must change!!!!!!!

Here is what I wrote:

Dear Sir / Madam,

I have been made aware of concerns, by residents of West Suffolk,  about the renewal of a sex licence at the premises known as Heaven.

I wish to object, in the strongest terms, to the application of Newmarket Entertainment Ltd to renew the Sex Establishment Licence for Heaven located 109 High Street Newmarket. 

Grounds for refusal stated in West Suffolk Council’s policy include that the grant or renewal of the licence would be inappropriate having regard to the character of the relevant locality and the use to which any premises in the vicinity are put.

The location is clearly in a prominent position within this historic town and close to the Jockey Club, an organisation responsible for setting the very highest standards within the horse racing world, on which Newmarket depends for its survival. The premises is at the entrance to Newmarket coming from Cambridge and contributes to setting the tone for the town. It is not an appropriate position for such a business.

In addition , West Suffolk Council purchased the adjacent building to be used as a unit for the homeless. Is it appropriate to renew the license of a sex establishment next door to an enlarged residential area?