Overview
- The City of Perth refused the development application at its meeting on Tuesday despite planning staff recommending conditional approval.
- Councillors who voted to reject the proposal cited likely adverse impacts on amenity, the character of Barrack Street and public safety, and urged the owner to consider Northbridge as a more suitable precinct.
- The applicant described the upstairs space as an 18+ members‑only club for social connection, education and consensual activity and city staff said the plan met health standards and included measures such as regular STI testing, safe‑sex education, no alcohol and a 9pm close.
- Public consultation returned 341 submissions with 290 objections and 51 supports, and council minutes noted many objections came from outside the local area and included repeated pro‑forma responses.
- Owner Nick Needham said he will seek review at the State Administrative Tribunal, a move that could be costly and that would test how Perth regulates and locates private LGBTQIA+ sex‑on‑premises venues while affecting access to queer safe spaces.