Horsham could get its first sex shop if councillors agree to overturn the present policy of banning them from the town.

The district council has received its first inquiry since the decision was made 17 years ago from a sex shop chain owner who wants to open in the town centre.

Alan Butler, who runs seven sex shops in the South-East, would like to open his first shop in Sussex in Queen Street.

But, before he makes his application, the environmental services committee meets tomorrow to decide whether to reaffirm the existing policy of not allowing sex shops in the town or whether to set a figure on the number which would be permitted in the future.

In a report to go before the committee, environmental services director Keith Feltham said following Mr Butler's interest it was time after 17 years the council reviewed its policy.

He said the present policy did not stop the selling of sex articles from a shop where they did not form a large part of the business. But there had been no applications until now to open either type of shop.

Mr Butler, who has shops in Maidstone, Margate, Croydon and Gravesend, said he had chosen Horsham because he wanted to move away from the London area.

He had originally looked at Crawley but had been unable to find any suitable premises.

He said: "My shop would be another retail outlet for Horsham, employing two staff. It would be a well-presented and attractive shop."

The shop would sell underwear, evening dresses, sex aids, magazines, videos and stag and hen night novelties.

Mr Butler said: "It would help spice up marriages and allow people to enjoy themselves."

He said 17 years ago, when the council made its decision, sex shops were not pleasant places but were now better.

"These types of shops are in most towns and they don't cause any problems. They shops have grown gradually over the last 25 years.

"I like Horsham - I used to work there 20 years ago - and I wouldn't want to upset the residents."