VILLAGERS have been warned that an industrial estate is a suitable location for a controversial new sex shop.Planning officers at Suffolk Coastal District Council are recommending that planning permission is given for a members-only adults' club at the Riverside industrial estate, Border Cot Lane, Wickham Market.

VILLAGERS have been warned that an industrial estate is a suitable location for a controversial new sex shop.

Planning officers at Suffolk Coastal District Council are recommending that planning permission is given for a members-only adults' club at the Riverside industrial estate, Border Cot Lane, Wickham Market.

They published a report yesterday,which overruled many complaints from villagers and the parish council. A decision will be taken by the development control sub committee on October 15 and the applicants will also require a licence from the council.

"The highways authority have not got objections to the scheme on highway safety grounds, access to the site is good and there is some parking available. The site is also away from the centre of the village, generally out of the way of passing pedestrians but still remains within a sustainable location. Essentially, this is probably the most suitable type of location for a business of this type.

"Whilst there may be a moral aspect that could concern people, this aspect is not strictly a planning matter and from a planning point of view the proposal will need to be considered on its development control merits," said the report.

Planners stated the proposed club adhered to planning policy and would not detract from the environment or nearby homes.

The parish council strongly recommended refusal of the proposed business, Adam and Eve's Emporium, and councillors warned that the viability of the rural market town near Woodbridge was at risk due to the village's reputation being damaged.

"Visits by clientele will instil fear into the local community as to the type of person who will attend. It will attract visitors from a very wide area, not all necessarily wishing to become members of the club, and draw attention to the established businesses on this site," said the parish council.

The council added there was real concern that crime rates would increase and that the industrial units would become a target for burglary and vandalism.

Objectors criticised the plans and said that £100,000 had been spent on improving Wickham Market and this would be a waste of money if a sex shop was positioned just off the High Street.