Mingles set to become permanent fixture

The Lexden-based club controversially opened in August last year after securing permission to become a private members’ club.

It was given a one-year probation period.

Now owners Jason Woolf and Rebecca Freeman have applied for permanent permission for the club, at 66a London Road.

Mr Woolf said: “It has not been a problem attracting people to the club. The council was concerned it would be too niche, but that hasn’t proved to be the case.”

In the application to secure permanent permission, Mr Woolf adds: “I understand [there has not been] one single complaint since the club opened on August 1 regarding noise or disturbance from any of our immediate neighbours, or any of the houses adjacent to the London Road car park in relation to any of the concerns raised at the original application stage.

“There has been zero attendance from police in any official capacity.”

Prior to the opening, nearby residents had expressed concerns over the activities which would be going on in the club – which has a “kinky corner” and runs fetish nights – but Colchester Council licensing officers say it has operated “without any significant issues”.

Dozens of customers have attended each night the club has been open.

According to figures published on Colchester Council’s website, the highest attendance on one occasion was 54.

More than 40 per cent of the club’s customers are from north Essex.

The application has attracted just one objection, from Andy Hamilton, of Acland Avenue, Lexden, who has claimed the club is “no better than a brothel”.

Mr Hamilton also called on the council to close the club between February 27, when its one-year temporary permission ends, and March 27, when a decision on the club’s future is due to be made.

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “We would not enforce a closure when there is a valid renewal application under consideration.”

The club initially opened four days a week, but now operates from Thursday to Saturday.