PROTESTING families in Wickham Market will next week find out if a sex shop in the village is refused.Planning officers have not changed their minds in the past month – and are still recommending the go-ahead for the shop and adults-only club.

PROTESTING families in Wickham Market will next week find out if a sex shop in the village is refused.

Planning officers have not changed their minds in the past month – and are still recommending the go-ahead for the shop and adults-only club.

Councillors declined to make a decision last time they met and decided instead to visit the site at Border Cot Lane industrial estate first.

On Wednesday November 12 they will meet to discuss the issue again and make a final decision.

So far 130 people – residents and owners of businesses at the site – have written letters of opposition to Suffolk Coastal's north area development control sub committee. Wickham Market Parish Council has strongly recommended refusal.

Protesters fear the adults-only business – Adam and Eve's Emporium – will deter other firms from using the industrial estate and give it a "seedy image".

They fear it will harm the village's character, devalue house prices, attract undesirable elements, increase traffic – especially as the applicants claim to have 3,500 members – and noise, and is not wanted in a family-orientated community.

Partners behind the venture, Jeremy Ellis, of Campsea Ash, Vic Brand, of Rendlesham, and John Mitchell, of New Costessey, near Norwich, believe the industrial estate is the "perfect place" as it will not interfere with the village.

The main business at the 108 sq m unit 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.

In their report to councillors, planning officers say because of the significant mail order business, a town centre site would not be appropriate and that the present site is away from the centre of the village.

The report said: "The applicants supporting letter indicates that it is the aim to provide a generally discreet service for members only.

"Accordingly overall, it is not considered that the business would detract from the environment generally or from residential particularly as it is some distance form the nearest residential property. The business will also provide some employment.

n What should councillors do? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk