PLANS for a new adult cabaret venue in Colchester town centre will be decided by councillors after concerns were raised about frail, elderly residents living nearby.

Ian Saunders wants to open the new business in the old Embassy Suite building, in Balkerne Hill, Colchester.

It will be known as Solo Summers and will host events including singles nights, couples events, cabaret, drag, strip shows and more.

But the decision has now been called in by Castle ward councillor Simon Crow at the request of residents living nearby.

It means the council’s planning committee, which is now not expected to sit until May, will have the final say on changing the premises into a sex entertainment venue.

In his call in submission Mr Crow said there were three key concerns.

It said: “The Ogilvie Charity has pointed out to me that it operates sheltered accommodation for elderly and often frail people that actually adjoins the site and they have concerns that the residents will be disturbed by late night noise.

“There is also residential accommodation above several shops in Crouch Street.”

Concerns were also raised about smells and ventilation issues and the late night closing.

Mr Saunders said noise levels would be kept to a minimum and he would look at what sound proofing works could be carried out to not add to existing noise.

He said: “The sheltered accommodation for the elderly and the frail, bearing in mind their close proximity, would certainly be a moral issue for me that I need to address.

“I am not personally sure whether the accommodation is currently affected by the current activities on Crouch Street but this may be a good question to ask.

“I do not wish anyone to be affected with additional noise levels as everyone has a right to a peaceful nights rest.

“Businesses working together is the only way forward and will benefit all and keep a currently dying town alive and vibrant as the last thing residents would want is a totally dead town area as this would inevitably have an impact on property prices if the town was derelict and run down.

“I totally appreciate residents concerns but once they see what Solo Summers actually is, I believe they will be pleasantly surprised.”