A LONG-establish- ed Oxford sex shop had its licence renewed, despite objections from neighbours and parents.

The Private Shop, in Cowley Road, has been selling adult books, magazines and films, along with other marital aids, since 1981.

The store has to have its licence reviewed annually as part of changes to the law.

Residents claimed the outlet was too close to schools and churches and not suitable in an area with increasing numbers of families.

No other complaints had been received about the store and Thames Valley Police did not object to the application.

Anna Lucas, chairman of the Stockmore Street Residents’ Association, said the number of families in the area had increased dramatically over the past few years.

At an Oxford City Council licensing hearing on Tuesday, she said the application should be refused because the shop was close to schools, toddler groups, places of worship and playgrounds.

She added: “We go up and down the road quite a lot and it is very difficult to answer the question ‘what is that mummy?’. That could be seen as a moral objection, but the legislation takes that into account.

“It says no shops to be near places of worship or schools, because you don’t want children coming into contact with that seamier side of life.”

A spokesman for Darker Enterprises, the Essex-based firm that runs the shop along with more than 100 others nationwide, said: “We are happy that the council has decided to continue to exercise control of the premises through conditions attached to the licence for the best interests of the citizens of Oxford.”

Its licence allows the shop to open 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday, and until 8pm on Saturday.

Oxford City Council’s licensing and registration sub-committee, consisting of two councillors, agreed to renew the licence.

Sub-committee chairman Colin Cook said: “We can find no significant changes in circumstances to justify a refusal."

But fellow councillor Nuala Young, who objected to the licence, said it was wrong for the decision to be made by an all-male sub-committee of two members.

Ms Young, who sits on the council’s full licensing committee and attended the hearing, said: “I would have expected to be asked to be on this.”

The council’s legal adviser, Daniel Smith, said the three-councillor sub-committee was acceptable, despite one member not being present.

All city sex shops must be licensed by the council, and must renew their licence on an annual basis under Schedule 3 of the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1982.

The licence costs applicants £8,000 to renew. cburatta@oxfordmail.co.uk