Historic Tudor mansion in Birmingham turned into swingers' club

One of Birmingham's most historic houses has been transformed into a swingers' club, angering some locals.

The Grade-II listed Stratford House in the Highgate area was built in 1601 and is a beautiful timber-framed property.

It has now been turned into a club for "like-minded' swingers complete with its own "cellar dungeon for fetish fun" and "various play rooms".

It is being advertised online under the name of Tudor Lounge and its website describes it as "The UK's most exclusive adult party venue".

It adds: "The Tudor Manor, situated at Stratford Place in Birmingham, is a magnificent Tudor timber oak mansion built in 1601.

"The building has been fully refurbished with only one thing in mind – you pleasure and enjoyment. Come and join in our parties or contact us to organize your own."

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, one angry local said: "I simply can't understand how this could have been allowed to happen in a listed building in an area of regeneration.

"Surely they have to have planning permission. And surely, if so, there should have been public consultation in the area. Nobody asked us about sex clubs."

Another added: "Apparently they have a dungeon and cater for any form of fantasy, which together with a list of some of the women there, is bound to attract perverts and degenerates to our neighbourhood.

"This is not what we bargained for when moving here with our families."

Speaking to the Mirror, an unnamed club spokesman said: "The council was informed about it all and it was the council that used the label swingers club.

"All our windows are covered, so no-one can see anything from the outside.

"People should mind their own business. Do I go round to their house to see what is going on in there?''

And when asked if sex takes place at the property, he said: "Sometimes. We are consenting adults.

"More people are involved in swinging than care to admit it."

A council statement read: "Planning approved a temporary change of use for Stratford House, from office use to a private members meeting venue, for up to one year on 11 April 2014.

"As part of this process, site and press notices were issued and ward members, residents associations and neighbouring premises/residents were consulted, but no responses were lodged.

"The council has not received any complaints in relation to this premises or activities reported to take place."