CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn a former Chinese restaurant in Colchester town centre into an adult cabaret venue have been approved.

Businessman Ian Saunders’ bid to turn the old Embassy Suite, in Balkerne Hill, into a sex entertainment venue called Solo Summers has been rubber stamped by planners.

Once open, the business will host a range of entertainment including singles nights, couples’ events, cabaret, drag, strip shows and more.

Dozens of objections were submitted to the plans including from the Women’s Equality Party but also dozens of residents spoke out in support.

Mr Saunders has promised the business will be “nothing sordid” and is opening the premises in honour of his late wife Solo Saunders, who was a famous dancer in her native South Africa.

He said: “Solo Summers is going to bless us in spirit and the venue is a place where people can feel free to express themselves. Nothing sordid, nothing negative, just beauty and appreciation between all on all levels.

“The Solo Summers concept is an evolving one which will find it’s place and be what it will be.

“This is a place of union, acceptance and love and I’m looking forward to bringing people together in the beautiful name and memory of Solo.”

Mr Saunders will have to submit a licence application for the activities and opening hours of the premises.

He has ditched plans to open until 4am, with the premises set to be open 8pm to 12am Sunday to Tuesday and 8pm to 2am Wednesday to Saturday.

Ward councillor Simon Crow (Con, Castle), called in the application to the planning committee at the request of nearby residents.

He said: “I’m not making any kind of moral judgement about the nature of this business but I feel a venue like this should be located in the heart of the town’s night time economy, in the town centre itself, and not on the very edge of it close to a residential area and adjoining sheltered accommodation for elderly and often frail people.

“I’m also concerned about the suitability of its proposed location right next to the Roman wall, which the council has recently lit up to improve residents’ and visitors’ experience of our heritage, the Colchester Arts Centre and the Mercury Theatre, and on a major route into, and out of, the town.”

“However it’s application for a license to operate as a sexual entertainment venue still has to be considered and I’m sure these will all be taken into consideration.”