Controversial plans for a “new style of gentleman’s club” in Carlisle are set to be considered by licensing chiefs.

Mansion Investments Limited is seeking permission to open the ‘sexual entertainment venue’, known as the PC Lounge, on Botchergate, in the heart of the city.

The city council has received 16 objections from residents, church leaders and community groups.

The proposed venue on the site of the Rewind Bar and Grill (previously Mint) would be 50m from Hebron Evangelical Church, directly opposite the Ibis hotel and also close to the Vue Cinema.

Objectors have also pointed out that there are already two similar establishments nearby – the lap-dancing club Rouge on Botchergate and the sex shop on London Road.

Members of the panel have been asked to consider the application and decide whether to grant or refuse the licence.

The presumption is that it will be granted unless there are statutory grounds for refusal.

Lee Weatherley, of Mansion Investments Ltd, has another PC Lounge based in Wakefield.

He previously told the News & Star that he wants to introduce a “premium” club to the city.

“It will be a safe place with premium whiskies, champagnes and cocktails, more of a premium style to it,” said Mr Weatherley.

“I think in a lot of towns and cities, you have the nicer places that people like to go to, with nicer drinks. There is a market for that in every town.”

It is expected that the club will create between six and 10 jobs, with about £250,000 spent on the renovation of the building.

The new legislative controls available to the Licensing Authority strengthen the role that local communities can play in deciding whether a Sexual Entertainment Venue is inappropriate.

Licensing officers at Carlisle City Council will debate the application on Monday.