Brothel too close to school say neighbours

Chris Gardner
The owner of buildings neighbouring the proposed site of a brothel in Napier's Cathedral Lane is appealing for the city's tourism and education industries to oppose the proposal.
Rod Ryan, of Maryland Properties in Napier, whose company owns the buildings occupied by Cathedral Lane Academy and Wallys Backpackers, is objecting to Kay N Jay Holdings' application for an on-licence at the premises neighbouring the language school on the basis that it is too close to the school.
"The entrance to the brothel is right opposite the courtyard where the students often take their breaks between classes," Mr Ryan said.
"In an industry where the referrals from past students and the recommendation of agents is critical for survival, we feel that having a brothel situated next door will have serious consequences for the ongoing survival of the language academy.
"While I feel confident students of the academy will not face any dangers or pressures from the brothel, many Asian families would not view the school in the same light if they knew of the brothel next door."
Mr Ryan said tenants Steve and Margaret Freeman, who operate the school and live onsite, have a 12-year-old son.
"We can openly assume that the brothel will be operating during daylight hours, so is it fair to potentially expose a young boy to this less seemly side of our city?" he asked.
Mr Ryan said the operator of the backpackers was concerned that the late-night foot traffic and potential for noise could detract from the quiet setting currently provided for guests.
"Presumably if the application for a drinking licence is rejected, then the plan to install a brothel on the premises is unlikely to proceed."
If insufficient objections were lodged with the district licensing agency before tomorrow the application was likely to slip through unnoticed, Mr Ryan said.
The language school's former homestay officer, Connie Ballantyne, is also opposed to the brothel.
"I am hopeful that the Napier City Council will not grant the licence for this type of establishment at the proposed location.
"Although such a business may not be in breach of the law, I feel it would directly impact the existing businesses and residents in the immediate area."
Having been involved in developing the language school, she said she was aware of the preparation and care involved in choosing the Cathedral Lane location.
"The close proximity of the buildings would expose the school courtyard, which is used regularly by students and staff, to the brothel activity and culture which, I believe would be a negative distraction."
The academy is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, she said.
"It is responsible for the safety and welfare of all students and needs to satisfy the parents of younger students and their children will be a in a wholesome environment when they arrive in Napier."
James Woods, who has lodged the on-licence application with his wife Kathy, claimed after his original plans for a non-alcoholic club were scuppered following the objection of locals he put the property back on the market for the price he had bought it for.
"I am concerned about my neighbours," he said. "I don't want to upset anybody. I have the right to have a small business there.
"They would not let me have a nightclub there because of the noise."
Mr Woods said the brothel would likely operate from around 10.30pm until 6am at the very latest.
Also objecting to the plan is the Rev Helen Jacobi, dean of St John the Evangelist's Cathedral, on the grounds of security.
The Napier Family Centre is to oppose plans for the brothel opposite its entrance.
The centre offers programmes for children, teenagers, men and women, some of whom have experienced sexual abuse and family violence in their lives, and whom attend the centre to seek help with healing.
It urged Napier citizens to object to the granting of the licence, by lodging a complaint with the District Licensing Agency, Private Bag 6010, Napier, by tomorrow's deadline, or within the next two or three days at the latest.
It said the activity was "most inappropriate".