AN adult store will open in Horton Street after the proposal got the go ahead on Wednesday.
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The community lodged more than 130 submissions in response to the Flirt Adult Store proposal in the main street.
Opposition included concerns about the location opposite the Port Macquarie Youth Hub and Wesleyan Chapel, and neighbouring a fabric store which attracts young families.
But the applicant, Jeff Oliver, said he was very conscious of having a very good relationship with the neighbours.
Mr Oliver said he was a responsible business owner.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Development Assessment Panel gave the development application conditional approval.
Conditions included no illuminated signs outside of business hours and no customer access from the back of the premises through Keena Lane.
Karen Packer’s business Dancing Fabrics will neighbour the adult store.
Mrs Packer questioned whether there would be people hanging around as a result of the adult store and spoke about fear of the unknown.
She has since had discussions with the applicant.
“It [the development application] has gone though and we will just have to work together,” she said.
Other speakers at the meeting cited more concerns including safety and location opposite the youth centre and surrounded by shops.
“Youth are impressionable and at the same time they are observant,” one speaker said.
The council report said legislation existed to ensure no part of the inside of the premises was visible from outside and minors were not permitted to access the shop.
There was no evidence to suggest the development would present a threat to the general community, providing it was properly managed, the report said.
Mr Oliver said he was pleased with the meeting result.
“Council has acted in accordance with the laws and regulations and that is the appropriate way,” he said.
“The moral objections are acknowledged but everyone’s opinion on sexuality is different.”
The adult store will open as soon as possible.