Plans for massage therapy space in Cannock deferred following concerns

The planning committee heard concerns raised over alleged ‘sexual services’ being sold at the site on North Street.

The retrospective application proposed changing use of the first floor for the provision of massage therapy space. There will be two members of staff and two customers on site at any given time, with the proposed opening times being 10:00hs – 22:00hrs, on any day.

However a report to councillors stated: “An Enforcement Notice was served on 13th June 2024 in regard to 23/23a North Street in relation to the use of land for the sale of sexual services. Following this, the new operator of the business applied for retrospective permission to use the existing first-floor flat for the use of a massage therapy space, associated with the existing ground floor use.

“The enforcement notice which was served on the site is subject to ongoing investigation and monitoring by Planning Enforcement in liaison with Staffordshire Police. This, however, is not a material planning consideration for the determination of this application and members are asked to consider the use proposed within the application and no other alleged use.”

Bridgtown Parish Council were set to speak at the committee however did not attend the meetings. However they objected to the proposal citing that the police have raided the premises previously and query parking arrangements.

An objection from Natalie Hill, Clerk Bridgtown Parish Council said: “Several businesses and residents on North street have raised their concerns regarding the amount of men going into and out of the ‘palour’ situated on top of Chinese takeaway, concerns are regarding the volume of men frequenting the premises and the times of day.”

Despite this many councillors expressed a view to hear from enforcement officers before making a decision. Councillor Adrienne Fitzgerald said: “Just say for example we approve this and the police come back and say it is being used as a brothel, would that then be closed because it’s been approved as a massage salon.

“What would the impact be if the police did come back and say it’s being used as a brothel? I’d like to propose we defer this until we get a report back from enforcement. I know the police have got a huge amount on their plate as does enforcement but I feel we’re voting blindly. Really we need sufficient information to give an informed vote.”

Councillors were told that the alleged use and ongoing enforcement action is not a material planning consideration and they needed to make a decision based on the change of use and the reconfiguration of the building.

A proposal to approve the application was defeated. Following this councillors decided to defer the application to conduct a site visit to see where the property is positioned and to look at the traffic issues raised by the parish council.