Cheltenham strip club opposite church approved for races

Councillors voted unanimously to approve the licence

A strip club has got the go ahead to open opposite a church in Cheltenham after every race meeting next year.

The council has given permission to Red Apple Associates Ltd to run a sexual entertainment venue at Jessop House.

Alwyn Barry, Cambray Baptist Church's senior pastor, said it was "more offensive" than putting a pub "opposite an Alcoholics Anonymous venue".

Councillor David Willingham, said the "activity is lawful" and the council "cannot take a moral stance" on it.

The venue used to be based at 2 Pigs in Church Street but opened at Jessop House during Cheltenham Festival this year.

The previous licence was due to expire on 6 February 2024.

More than 35 people objected to the proposals while 50 letters were sent in support of the scheme

The latest proposal is for it to open opposite Cambray Baptist Church for 17 nights next year.

Mr Barry, told councillors at the licensing sub-committee, they "had no idea how deeply hurtful" such a business was being so close to a place of worship.

"It's much more offensive than placing a pub immediately opposite an Alcoholics Anonymous venue," he said.

"Or a betting shop at the entrance of a gambler's rehab centre.

"Where marriage is upheld, immediately opposite us licentiousness is being promoted. Where family life is honoured, immediately opposite us, infidelity is offered.

"Where women's value is held in the highest regard, immediately opposite us, the objectification of women is normalised. Where new life is offered, immediately opposite us, broken lives are served.

"It's discriminatory for Christians for such a venue to be placed in this location. The Christians in Cheltenham are not being offered equal concern that is been given elsewhere in the country to mosques and synagogues."

Gilli Appleby, the CEO of Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, said the application for numerous events was a significant variation.

"Sexual violence is a serious and widespread issue. The purpose of sexual entertainment venues is to sexually stimulate those observing," she said.

"Those two statements concern me over how one leads onto the other."

'Selling sex'

But an unnamed performer at the club, said it was the "most organised, safe and well run operation" she had ever encountered.

"I'm always saddened by the negative reception these licensing [applications] often receive in the media," she said.

"As dancers we are tired of being spoken for rather than to. We don't appreciate comments implying we are selling sex or our bodies."

Chairman David Willingham said some 65,000 people go to the races during Cheltenham Festival and around 400 people go to the venue on any given night.

"It would be unreasonable to hold the sexual entertainment venue responsible for the ills claimed during race week," he said.

"The activity is lawful and licensing exists to make it safer. The council cannot take a moral stance on the activity."

The committee voted unanimously to approve the application.

The venue will open for 17 days next year including Cheltenham Festival week.

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [e-mail]