One of Britain’s oldest naturist clubs has accused a council of treating nudity as sexual activity after receiving consultation documents about regulating “sex establishments”.
Broadland Sun Association, which has welcomed clothes-free visitors to its 25-acre woodland site near Stoke Holy Cross since 1935, objected strongly to being grouped alongside strip clubs and topless bars in the South Norfolk council’s draft licensing policy.
The club dismissed such attitudes as a “throwback to the saucy postcard era”.
Steve Law, the association’s secretary, wrote to council officials questioning why the naturist venue had been contacted about the proposed regulations and challenging the assumption that nudity is inherently sexual.
Mr Law expressed particular concern about the draft policy’s definition of “display of nudity”, which he described as “disappointing”.
The policy document defines such displays as the exposure of nipples, pubic areas, genitals or anus for women, and pubic areas, genitals or anus for men.
The secretary told councillors it was troubling that such exposure “should automatically be regarded as sexual activity in need of some form of regulation”.
He wrote: “Our position is that simply nudity is in no way sexual and can do nothing but good.”
One of Britain’s oldest naturist clubs has accused a council of treating nudity as sexual activity
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Mr Law added: “We would invite doubters of this assertion to get in touch and we will happily show you how realistic our view is.”
The association’s secretary extended an invitation for council officials to visit the site and learn about naturism firsthand.
The council responded that Broadland Sun Association was contacted because it holds a club premises certificate, with consultation letters sent to all potentially affected venues, including pubs, village halls and social clubs.
Under the proposed regime, businesses could face fees of up to £2,280 for a licence application, with the new rules expected to be adopted at a licensing committee meeting on Tuesday.
Broadland Sun Association has welcomed clothes-free visitors to its 25-acre woodland site near Stoke Holy Cross since 1935
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The council clarified that nudity would only require licensing if displayed to sexually stimulate an audience for financial gain.
However, councillors offered conflicting views on whether naturist clubs would be affected. James Easter, the Conservative chairman of the licensing committee, suggested such venues “probably” would fall under the regime.
Gary Blundell, an independent councillor, disagreed, stating: “I am not 100 per cent sure [naturism] would come under the policy, because this is for sex clubs and other licensable activities.”
Broadland Sun Association markets itself as a venue for couples and families, though visitors are also welcome, with overnight stays costing around £35.
Broadland Sun Association objected strongly to being grouped alongside strip clubs and topless bars in the South Norfolk council’s draft licensing policy.
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The site offers camping and caravan pitches, a swimming pool, fishing lake, sunbathing lawn, pétanque court and badminton facilities.
The club’s rules explicitly forbid “any sexual behaviour, suggestion or innuendo in public”.
Its website addresses concerns about arousal directly, stating it is “very unlikely” given that “there’s nothing sexual about naturism, it’s just people going about their normal day without clothes on”.
The club’s FAQ section is equally blunt about those seeking alternative activities: “If you’re looking to ‘swing’, good luck to you, but you have arrived at the wrong club! Please shut the door on the way out.”