Maidstone’s only licensed town centre sex shop could be open by Christmas, after councillors gave it the go ahead.

Pillowtalk had applied for a license to open in the former British Red Cross shop premises in Bank Street.

The firm already runs a sex shop in Upper Stone Street, but closed its warehouse in Sandling Road, Maidstone, in January. Another licensed sex shop, Private Lines, closed in Week Street earlier this year.

Members of Maidstone council’s licensing committee have now agreed to approve a license for the shop in Bank Street, with a number of conditions.

Eight objections had been received by the council and a number, including a petition with around 50 signatures, were also accepted by members even though they arrived after the deadline.

Town Centre Management, which had initially objected to the proposal, withdrew its objection at the start of the meeting, after taking into consideration opinion among Bank Street traders.

Additional conditions imposed on the shop include that it must trade betwen 9am and 8pm Monday to Saturday and for six hours between 10am and 5pm on Sundays.

It cannot trade on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or Easter Sunday, and its window displays must be approved by the licensing services manager and the chairman or vice chairman of the committee. No advertising sign outside the shop can include the words “sex shop”.

Owner Alan Butler said after the meeting: “I am very pleased. I feel they have made a sensible decision as regards the way we run our business within the area.”

Mr Butler added that he was hopeful he could have the shop open for business by Christmas.