ALONG with many other people in my ward, I objected strongly to the retrospective planning application for the Baker Street massage parlour Emmanuelle's

ALONG with many other people in my ward, I objected strongly to the retrospective planning application for the Baker Street massage parlour Emmanuelle's. As soon as Emmanuelle's opened, I drew North Somerset Council's attention to the change of use of the premises without planning consent.The establishment was told to apply for planning permission within 28 days, did not do so and was served with a planning contravention notice. It still continues to operate. The planning contravention notice should have required the disclosure of the activities being carried out and provided the opportunity to refrain from them. Non-compliance was an offence liable on conviction to fine. I obviously heard nothing of these matters from North Somerset.Finally, North Somerset Council has taken heed of our objections and refused the long-delayed retrospective planning application. However, three months have been given for the closure and those long months do not appear to be retrospective. In any case, an appeal is to be lodged, presumably in the hope that it will take years to complete. We must be given the reassurance that enforcement action will now be rigidly applied.Two members of the North Somerset Council Executive, Cllrs John Crockford-Hawley and Mike Bell, live nearby but I have little faith in their ability to look after the interests of their fellow residents and other measures may be necessary. Back in 2000, a Home Office Policing and Reducing Crime Unit research paper called For Love or Money said police regulation of massage parlours is generally minimal and intervention will occur only in response to a public complaint. Local residents should take the Home Office advice and may inform me as their ward councillor of any complaints. CLLR MIKE KELLAWAY-MARRIOTTCentral Ward, WestonGrove House, Grove Park, Weston