Plans to open a new sex shop are likely to be rejected next week.

An application for the shop in Kemp Town, Brighton, has been made to Brighton and Hove City Council by Daniel Bianciardi and Nick Brewster of Nolan Road, Woodingdean.

They say the shop, planned for St George's Road, would fill a need in a lively area of Brighton.

However, there have been four petitions against the shop, including one from the Women's Institute. Other objectors include local councillors, a residents' society, a head- teacher and Kemp Town traders.

Environment officer Tim Nichols has made no recommendation for the appeals sub committee meeting on Friday, October 5, but said the application could be refused for many reasons, including the influence of a shop on children who pass by.

It could also spoil the local conservation area and affect business activity in St George's Road.

Councillors have for years allowed only one sex shop in Brighton, in Surrey Street, near the railway station.

Another application has been made to use the Hilton Brighton Metropole hotel as a sex establishment on May 13 and 14, 2003.

The permission is needed so applicants can display R18 rated videos at The People Like Us show.

There have been no objections so far.