A lap dancing club which faced opposition over its location in Newmarket’s historic high street is to remain open after committee members decided to renew its licence.

Heaven Awaits, which runs Heaven Gentlemen’s Club at 109 High Street, had applied to Forest Heath District Council to renew the venue’s sex establishment licence - which it must do annually.

Opponents included Newmarket Town Council who felt the club’s proximity to sites including places of worship, a play area and the town hall was completely inappropriate and in conflict with Forest Heath’s own policy.

Last night Forest Heath’s licensing committee chose to renew the licence, with an extra condition to improve the current signage.

Members felt there was no reason to depart from their previous decision to renew.

Speaking after the hearing, Jason Newell, a director of Heaven Awaits, said: “We are very happy with the decision and outcome from the committee members.

“As stated and agreed by committee members, nothing has changed in the last 12 months apart from the business running from strength to strength.”

Speaking on behalf of Newmarket Town Council, Mayor of Newmarket Rachel Hood said they were “disappointed” by the decision.

“This is another appalling decision by this committee and the representations made were very clear about the location, and it’s very disappointing it appears to be lost on members of the licensing committee.”

Forest Heath’s sex establishment licensing policy states the council will not normally grant a licence where any premises within the vicinity have uses including a school, place of worship, family leisure, important historic buildings and important public and cultural facilities.

Petitions with 166 signatures opposing the renewal had been handed to the council.