Chester massage parlour proposal thrown out by planning inspector

Feb 3 2011 Chester Chronicle

A MASSAGE parlour has been refused planning permission by an inspector who rubber-stamped the council’s earlier decision.

Bonita Westgarth had been appealing against Cheshire West and Chester Council’s decision to refuse planning consent for The Dungeon at 2 Cheyney Road, Chester.

Councillors had ignored the advice of their own officers in refusing consent last April but planning inspector Brian Rogers backed up the elected members.

Mr Rogers noted the appeal site was within a residential area and near an infants and primary school. There had been many representations from residents and interested parties, concerned at the impact of a use “generally associated with services of a sexual nature”.

He said: “In the present case, it is difficult to imagine a closer relationship between the proposed use and the closely-knit, adjoining dwellings. It is a legitimate part of the planning system to separate uses or activities which are incompatible with each other.

“I am persuaded by the representations that both the actual comings and goings via this rear alley and the potential for distress and intimidation felt by neighbouring members of the public would lead to a

significant reduction in the quality of life of neighbouring residents.”

Mr Rogers also turned down Mrs Westgarth’s application for costs. The business is no longer operating at the address.

Consultants for The Dungeon had produced a statement for the Planning Inspectorate which argued massage parlours are not unusual in Chester.

Mickle Trafford-based LS Planning claimed there were at least four similar premises including one near Chester Fire Station and another near Westminster Park. There were seven establishments where ladies advertised as working on their own.