THREE businessmen who want to open a sex shop at Wickham Market today reassured residents that it would be strictly controlled – and would not be "a perverts' club".

THREE businessmen who want to open a sex shop at Wickham Market today reassured residents that it would be strictly controlled – and would not be "a perverts' club".

Partners Jeremy Ellis, of Campsea Ash, Vic Brand, of Rendlesham, and John Mitchell, of New Costessey, near Norwich, said using an industrial estate was the "perfect place" for the venture and would not interfere with the village.

Former nightclub owner Mr Ellis said: "We have checked that the site is not near any schools, playgroups, play areas or the church – they are all at the other end of the village.

"We looked at various sites and because this one is out of the way it is the most suitable one.

"I know there will be some people who will be against the idea of such a club, but people should come into the 21st century – there is sex on TV at 9pm. This club will be very strictly controlled.

"This is not a sex shop open to the public, it's a private club for adult members only and it will be private and confidential.

"It's not going to be on the high street because we do not want people walking in off the street. People will have to join properly and only those people will be allowed in – it's not a perverts' club or a dirty old sex shop".

Suffolk Coastal District Council said today that planners were considering the application for a change of use for the industrial unit in Border Cot Lane and a decision could be made by councillors in October, but this was not guaranteed.

This would then enable Mr Ellis, Mr Brand and Mr Mitchell to make an application for a sex shop licence – which will cost them £12,000 – to be heard by the licensing and health committee on November 25 or January 27.

A council spokesman said no application had yet been received.

Mr Ellis said: "We have two hurdles to get over and we cannot obtain the licence until we have the planning permission.

"If people do object, they will need valid reasons to object. We hope people will not object as this will be a private club – we have 3,500 people in this area who have already said they want to join."

Adam and Eve's Emporium will work on an appointment-only basis during the day but in the evenings members will be able to attend freely and the applicants hope it will remain open until 10pm each night.

The main business at the site will be marketing and distribution of adult goods ordered via the company's web site, though members will be able to purchase gifts at the site.

The 108 square metre shop will stock lingerie, adult toys and R18 videos.

At the premises members will be shown into a lounge where they can meet other members and browse the catalogues before being shown to the shop.