The Regulatory & Appeals Committee of Boston Council met on Tuesday 03 February 2026 to consider an application for a Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) Licence. The committee resolved to grant the licence, subject to several conditions, despite numerous objections from local residents and a local MP.

Application for a Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence

The committee considered an application for a Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) Licence for Chunky Muffins, located at The Pool Shed, Marsh Farm Cottage, Frampton Roads, Frampton. The application was made by Mr and Mrs Neil Wright. The venue sought to provide lap dancing, pole dancing, table dancing, strip shows, and live sex shows, with proposed operating hours from 11:00 to 00:00 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 to 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 to 22:00 on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The application was met with significant opposition from local residents, Frampton Parish Council, and Richard Tice MP. Objections centred on several key themes:

• Unsuitability of Location and Character of the Locality: Numerous objectors stressed that Frampton is a quiet, rural, and residential village, with nearby agricultural land and the RSPB Frampton Marsh nature reserve. They argued that a venue offering sexual entertainment was fundamentally incompatible with this environment and would negatively impact the village's character, reputation, and desirability for residents and visitors. Concerns were raised that the venue would attract an undesirable element and single males, altering the existing community dynamic.
• Public Nuisance and Disturbance: Objectors highlighted concerns about increased noise from vehicles, patrons, and music, particularly during the proposed late-night operating hours. They feared this would disrupt the peace and quiet of the rural setting, affecting residents' quality of life and sleep. Specific issues mentioned included loud voices, car doors slamming, engines revving, and music from vehicles.
• Traffic and Highway Safety: The rural road network, described as narrow and poorly lit, was deemed unsuitable for the increased traffic volume anticipated from an SEV, especially during late hours. Concerns were raised about potential accidents, obstruction to emergency services, and parking issues, with vehicles reportedly already parking on grass verges.
• Crime, Disorder, and Anti-Social Behaviour: Objectors expressed fears that the venue, particularly with its late hours and alcohol sales, would increase the risk of crime, disorder, and anti-social behaviour. The remote location was cited as a concern for emergency service response times, with fears that local policing resources would be stretched. Concerns were also raised about potential drug use and the attraction of sexual predators.
• Suitability of the Premises and Applicants: Questions were raised about the suitability of the premises, described as a former agricultural shed, for such an operation, including concerns about its original construction (potential asbestos) and the adequacy of fire and safety regulations. The applicants' history of operating adult events without the appropriate licences for many years was also highlighted as a concern regarding their integrity and willingness to comply with regulations. Conflicting public statements from the applicants about the nature of their business were also noted.
• Impact on Property Values and Reputation: Several objectors stated that the presence of such a venue would negatively impact property values and make houses harder to sell, tarnishing the village's reputation.

Lincolnshire Police, while not objecting in principle, requested specific conditions be applied to the licence, considered more appropriate to the nature of the operation than the council's standard policy conditions. These included mirroring safeguarding conditions from the existing premises licence, ensuring CCTV was maintained to police satisfaction, and maintaining an incident/refusals log. They also recommended that the age restriction be raised from 18 to 21, aligning with the premises licence.

The applicant's representative argued that the application sought to regularise existing activities and bring the operation within a clear regulatory framework. They emphasised the absence of substantiated complaints during the premises' operation under its existing licence and highlighted the applicant's engagement with the council and police, leading to amendments to the application and acceptance of proposed conditions.

Decision:

The Regulatory & Appeals Committee resolved to grant the application for a Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence. The decision was made subject to the conditions included in the police representation, along with the following additional conditions:

• There shall be no employment of commercial performers at the premises.
• Whenever the premises is open for customers, the gates must be closed except for access and egress.
• The swimming pool and outside area shall be closed for use at 11 pm.
• There shall be in place a safeguarding policy that must be supplied to the licensing department.

The committee noted that matters such as property values and general reputational concerns were not relevant considerations under the legislation. They also noted that purely moral objections or concerns were not relevant to the determination of the application.

The decision to grant the licence was made after considering the statutory framework, the council's policy, and relevant Home Office guidance, and having regard to only relevant and material considerations.