NO evidence existed to support claims that brothels were associated with crime and drug use, a Lake Macquarie City Council internal memo says. Council staff sent the memo to councillors, referring to a brothel planned in a Toronto West industrial estate in Elford Street.
It said brothels were allowed in industrial zones and council staff would recommend approval. The city's 13 councillors will be under pressure to overturn the staff's recommendation and reject the brothel, with a vote expected on June 1.
A rejection could lead to an appeal in the Land and Environment Court and a costly legal bill for the council. The memo said Lake Macquarie council had approved a brothel. One was approved in in Hillsborough Road, Warners Bay, but it closed after the land was redeveloped. Councillors rejected a brothel in Saltspray Close, Redhead, but the Land and Environment Court overturned the decision and granted consent in The brothel has not opened, but some work was done in January to keep the consent valid.
The Herald reported yesterday that residents held a meeting and were rallying against the planned Toronto brothel over fears it would degrade the town, community values and business and threaten children. Home News Local News.
