"SEX is here to stay". That was the message from York councillor Ken King as members unanimously approved plans for a new adult shop at 12 Bootham.

Coun King told the licensing committee meeting that people "got a bit emotional" about sex shops and said there was a common misconception that they were only used by "dirty old men in macs".

He said: "That is just not the case."

"A lot of the people who frequent these shops are in fact women. I know a lot of women who use these shops at the moment."

Councillors approved the proposals by Darker Enterprises to open the new business in the ground-floor premises - despite strong opposition.

The company already runs a first-floor sex shop called The Private Shop, at 14A Bootham, but bosses pledged to close it if their new store nearby was approved.

York also has two other licensed sex shops - at 70B Gillygate and 1 Victoria Street.

Three strong letters of objection and a 62-signature petition were sent to City of York Council by those opposing the plans.

They felt that the shop would be unsuitable because of the proximity to St Michael-le-Belfrey Church, local schools and attractions used by families and tourists.

Clive Sullivan, management consultant for Darker Enterprises, said they wanted to move to downstairs premises because the stairs to their current shop were steep and they wanted disabled access.

"Customers would find it much easier," he told the meeting.

Coun Brian Watson said as ward councillor, he had never received any complaints about the company's current shop in Bootham.

"Life has moved on to the point where even my mother at 94 has started laughing at Jonathan Ross," he told the meeting.

Coun Janet Greenwood said the shop would be "very discreet" and would not be open to under-18s.

Several conditions were attached to the application, including the provision of a wooden-effect frontage, and a ban on external signage.

Opening hours were stipulated at Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 8pm.

Updated: 08:27 Monday, March 07, 2005