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Canterbury: Club Desire sex dungeon plans on Lakesview business park

A sex club complete with bondage dungeon is set to open on the outskirts of Canterbury.

The X-rated venue - which says it will “cater for most kinks and interests” - will operate from a warehouse on the same business park as the city headquarters for the Kent Community Health Trust.

A bid to convert the warehouse into a “private members’ club” is being considered by the city council, but contains little detail of the adult-only intentions of applicant Jack Brabham.

The website for Club Desire - it could be coming to Canterbury
The website for Club Desire - it could be coming to Canterbury

However, a website for Club Desire reveals it will be furnished with a “fully-equipped dungeon for those into fetish and bdsm” and a “two-way mirror room” so couples can have sex while others watch.

It could also include a “mistress school” run by a professional dominatrix, which will “delve into the psychological and physiological aspects of domination”.

Mr Brabham has yet to secure permission to change the use of the building on the Lakesview business park in Hersden, but has already launched a website for the club.

“There’s nothing like this in the area so there’d be a great interest in it,” he said.

“It’s somewhere for people to come after work for socialising and pleasure. I know people might complain, but I’m not doing anything wrong with it.

“It’s nothing illegal and people walking past wouldn’t know what’s going on inside so they won’t be disturbed. It’s something I’ve always wanted to run and I’m hopeful it’ll be successful.”

The plans divide opinion. Cartoon: Royston Robertson
The plans divide opinion. Cartoon: Royston Robertson

Mr Brabham’s application proposes opening hours of 8pm to 2am for the club, which will not serve alcohol.

The bid has attracted some support online, with many highlighting the prospects for new jobs and a boost in tourists, although it is not clear if those commenting are aware the club will be adult-rated.

Lakesview owner George Wilson, however, is unequivocal in his criticism of the plans.

“It’s totally inappropriate for an international business park,” he said.

“I am amazed by it. That unit is for professional B1 business use, not this - it’s a terrible application.”

A business owner on the park, who wished to remain anonymous, added: “It’s not something you want on your doorstep, is it?

“I think it’s going to go ahead as there is a lot of money in that sort of thing, or so they say.”

But the proposal does have some backing, with neighbour Martin Sillence, of JMS Cars, not fazed by it.

“Each to their own - I have no problem with it,” he said.

“I am amazed by it. That unit is for professional B1 business use, not this - it’s a terrible application..." - business park owner George Wilson

“The people entering will probably be dressed normally - you would think it will be discreet and it will be in the evening.

“At least it isn’t another garage - the only thing that may present a problem and that I may have a concern about is parking spaces. There won’t be enough of them."

Sturry ward councillor Georgina Glover is also supportive of the proposal - but says it would be better off closer to the city centre.

“I’d like to see this type of venture get every opportunity but it needs to be elsewhere - not on an industrial estate,” she said.

“I don’t think it’s the ideal place; somewhere further towards Canterbury, or the city centre, would be better suited for it.

“I wish the applicant well and would like him to be able to achieve something.”

Highways officers believe the change of use could triple the demand for parking on the site, but Mr Brabham denies there will be an issue as “most of our members will arrive in small groups”. He says the club will have a strict membership process, but is not yet sure if he will run the venture himself.

Georgina Glover says the venture should be given the opportunity to succeed
Georgina Glover says the venture should be given the opportunity to succeed

The Club Desire website says its equipment will be available for private hire.

It adds: “We will offer a ‘fantasy come true’ service. If you have ever had a fantasy that you want to make reality we can make it happen.

“We want to make this your club, your hideaway, your adult playground to relax, socialise, explore and have fun.”

A decision on the change of use will be made when feedback to the plans has been considered.

A special licence to operate the sex club is not required.

The deadline to make comments is August 22.

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