Sex shops, pornography warehouses and condom retailers could be allowed for the first time in Shoreham, Southwick and Lancing.

Adur councillors last night agreed to change their policy on sex establishments, which have been banned for the last 17 years.

The debate was organised ahead of an expected application for an undisclosed location in the district.

Zones around the three main towns of Shoreham, Southwick and Lancing will now be examined in more detail and graded for their suitability.

Council policy chairman Neil Parkin, said: "After a very thorough and interesting debate which lasted 25 minutes, we decided our new policy would be that we couldn't think of anywhere where one would be appropriate.

"Any application would be decided on its own merits. We would have to see where they wanted to put it and take it from there. We will just have to see."

Vice-chairman Melanie Blunden added: "I believe that, since 1983, the committee said that they wouldn't allow any in this area, but due to a court case we now have to make up our minds and break the district into areas.

"I don't think we can just say we couldn't have any sex shops in the whole of Adur. I think members have first of all got to decide if they are prepared to license one in any of the towns."

Coun Blunden said she didn't think her Buckingham ward was likely to want to have a sex shop.

She said: "We only have houses in our area apart from a small parade of shops opposite the hospital."