OXFORD’S only lap-dancing club has lost its High Court bid to stay open.

The court upheld Oxford City Council’s refusal to renew a sexual entertainment venue licence for The Lodge, in Oxpens Road.

Owner Al Thompson said the council had approved a licence in July 2011 and there had been no material change in the area by September, when it was refused. It closed that month but re-opened two months later pending an appeal.

The club was open on Saturday but Mr Thompson said Friday’s decision threatened to shut the controversial venue permanently. Mr Thompson, who spent £100,000 refurbishing the club, previously said the decision was “irrational”.

He had argued that since opening in November 2011, neither the police nor the council’s own licensing officers had raised any concerns about the club.

But the council said it was an ‘inappropriate feature’ of the area, which includes Oxford Ice Rink.

Judge Mr Justice Haddon-Cave said: “The 2012 reasons for refusal were clear, stand-alone and essentially new reasons, including evidence about the adverse impact of The Lodge on the area in the preceding 12 months.

“In my judgment, the 2012 reasons were intelligible and enabled the claimant to understand why the renewal was decided against him and what conclusions were reached on the principal important controversial issues.”

The club had to move from Pennyfarthing Place in the city centre in 2011, when it was Thirst Lodge, over council concerns it was too close to St Ebbes Church and tourist spots.