Council rejects sex shop

Paul Dunlop
A BID to open a second sex shop in Pakenham has been knocked back by Cardinia Shire Council.
Councillors at their town planning meeting on Monday refused to permit Jodie Gowans, owner of Sextastic in Hallam, to open another store in the Michael Street industrial estate.
Councillors said the proposal was too close to future residential development.
Cr Ed Chatwin also voted against the application on moral grounds. He said adult bookshops went “to the dark side of the human psyche”.
“I find it objectionable and I object,” Cr Chatwin said.
Councillors had earlier this year approved albeit reluctantly the town’s first adult shop in the Racecourse Road industrial estate.
Ms Gowans had said her shop would be aimed predominantly at the female market, and planned to have female staff and also offer fancy dress hire and spray tanning.
A town planners’ report said Ms Gowans’ proposal generally complied with planning regulations but that land about 180 metres to the north was identified for future housing.
An adult bookshop is not allowed within 200 metres of a residential area.
Councillors agreed with officers’ recommendation that the application be refused.
“This is totally inappropriate for this area of Pakenham,” Cr Brett Owen said.
“We need to look to the future and consider what is proposed very close to this business.”
Fifteen objections were lodged when Ms Gowans’ application was advertised.
Cr Doug Hamilton said he was opposed to a second sex shop in the town. “I’m not sure Pakenham is big enough for one, I don’t believe there is any justification for having two,” he said.