A decision on whether to allow a new sex shop to open in Coventry city centre is expected to be made at the end of April.

Following an editorial comment in the Coventry Evening Telegraph, a city councillor has stressed that the application is nothing to do with the Phoenix Initiative.

The application for a shop in Hales Street called Adult Play Things will not have to meet any new planning requirements as it is earmarked for a building already classified as being for retail use.

Cllr Dave Batten, cabinet member (Development and Renewal) said:

"As it stands, an application for a licence has been applied for, by a Mr Hemmings, to open a shop in the currently vacant premises in Hales Street.

“There is now a statutory period of 28 days for anybody who wishes to pass on their comments on the proposal, to do so to the City Secretary's Department.

“It will then be down to the Licensing and Regulatory Committee to decide upon whether the licence can be granted. "

It is proposed that the application will be considered at the next appropriate meeting of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee at the end of April.

Cllr Batten added:

"With regard to the Phoenix Initiative development, I want to make it absolutely clear to everybody that the proposed site is not part of the development in any way.

“Whilst accepting the site is close by the development, especially the Priory Place part of the scheme, the two are not linked.“

The next completed stage of the Phoenix development will be the opening of the Priory Garden and Cloister in mid-April this year.

SEE: [07 MAR 01] SEX SHOP PLAN FOR COVENTRY CITY CENTRE