The Regulatory & Appeals Committee of Boston Council granted a Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licence for Chunkymuffins, located at The Pool Shed, Marsh Farm Cottage, Frampton Roads, Frampton. The decision was made after considering objections from local residents and Frampton Parish Council, who raised concerns about noise, traffic, and the suitability of the location.

Application for a Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence at Chunkymuffins

The committee considered an application for a Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licence for Chunkymuffins, located at The Pool Shed, Marsh Farm Cottage, Frampton Roads, Frampton. The application was made by Mr and Mrs Wright, who have been operating adult parties at the premises since 2014 and held a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 since April 2023. The application to operate as a SEV was made to regularise activities that were considered to fall within a regulatory grey area.

Arguments for Granting the Licence:

• Applicant's Representative, Grant Shackleston: Argued that the premises had operated for years without substantiated complaints or enforcement action from responsible authorities. He highlighted the applicant's proactive engagement with the council and Lincolnshire Police, leading to amendments to the application. These amendments included confirming that no professional performers would be employed, and that entertainment would consist solely of consenting customers participating in activities. Mr Shackleston emphasised that the operation was discreet, controlled, and subject to appropriate management and safeguarding. He stated that granting the licence with appropriate conditions would provide a clear and enforceable regulatory framework.
• Lincolnshire Police: Did not object in principle to the grant of the licence. They had engaged with the applicant and proposed specific conditions considered appropriate for the nature of the operation, aiming for consistency with the existing premises licence to avoid ambiguity.
• Applicant's Representative: Reiterate that the committee should base its decision on evidence, not fear, perception, or moral objections. They confirmed acceptance of all conditions proposed by Lincolnshire Police.

Arguments Against Granting the Licence (Objections):

Numerous objections were received from local residents, Frampton Parish Council, and Richard Tice MP. The primary grounds for objection were:

• Unsuitability of Location and Locality: Objectors argued that Frampton is a quiet, rural, residential village and agricultural area, making it entirely unsuitable for a sexual entertainment venue. They highlighted the proximity to residential properties, the RSPB Frampton Marsh nature reserve, and the general character of the village.
• Risk of Public Nuisance and Disturbance: Concerns were raised about increased noise from late-night traffic, vehicles, patrons, music, and activities within the premises, particularly during proposed operating hours extending to 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Residents reported existing noise issues from the premises, including from the outdoor swimming pool and vehicles.
• Highway Safety and Traffic Concerns: Objectors pointed to the narrow rural roads, inadequate lighting, and lack of visibility, stating they were not designed for increased traffic, especially late at night. Concerns were raised about parking on grass verges, speeding vehicles, and potential obstruction to emergency services.
• Crime, Disorder, and Anti-Social Behaviour Risks: The remote location and lack of local late-night policing infrastructure were cited as reasons for concern about increased risks of anti-social behaviour, alcohol and drug misuse, and potential exploitation.
• Adverse Effect on Community and Local Character: Objectors believed the venue would damage the village's reputation, make it less desirable for families and future residents, and negatively impact property values. Some noted that the venue already had a swingers club reputation, which they felt was detrimental.
• Lack of Infrastructure and Management Controls: Concerns were raised about the absence of information regarding security staff, transport arrangements, safeguarding policies, noise mitigation, refuse disposal, and measures to prevent disorder.
• Suitability of the Premises: Some objectors questioned the suitability of the premises itself, describing it as a former agricultural shed and raising concerns about its structural integrity, fire safety, drainage, and capacity.
• Applicant Suitability: Some objectors raised concerns about the applicants' history of operating outside the required legal framework for many years, suggesting a lack of integrity and willingness to comply with regulations.

Decision:

The Regulatory & Appeals Committee decided to grant the SEV licence, subject to a set of conditions. These conditions included:

• No employment of commercial performers at the premises.
• Gates to be closed whenever the premises is open for customers, except for access and egress.
• The swimming pool and outside area to be closed for use at 11 pm.
• A safeguarding policy to be in place and supplied to the licensing department.

These conditions were in addition to those included in the police representation. The committee noted that while they sympathised with some of the concerns raised by objectors, they were bound to consider only relevant and material considerations as defined by the legislation, which excluded moral objections, property values, and general reputational concerns.

Background Documents:

• Decisions 03rd-Feb-2026 14.00 Regulatory Appeals Committee.pdf
• Revised Supplementary Agenda - Additional Evidence from Applicant 03rd-Feb-2026 14.00 Regulatory .pdf
• Agenda frontsheet 03rd-Feb-2026 14.00 Regulatory Appeals Committee.pdf
• Public reports pack 03rd-Feb-2026 14.00 Regulatory Appeals Committee.pdf
• Printed minutes 03rd-Feb-2026 14.00 Regulatory Appeals Committee.pdf
• Appendix 1 - Local Government miscellanous provisions Act 1982 Schedule 3.pdf
• Appendix 2 - SEV Policy.pdf
• Appendix 3 - Application Form.pdf
• Appendix 4 - Location plan and external views of the premises.pdf
• Application for the grant of a Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence.pdf
• Minutes of Previous Meeting.pdf
• Minutes of Previous Meeting.pdf