OXFORD’S only lapdancing club has found a new home in the city despite church claims that it “undermines God’s gift of marriage”.

The Lodge has been granted a sexual entertainment licence at The Coven, in Oxpens Road, by a committee of city councillors.

But the club’s most vehement opponent, St Ebbe’s Church, has not given up the fight.

And they may yet challenge that decision in the High Court.

Owners of The Lodge want to take over the lease on the Oxpens Road venue and spend £100,000 refurbishing it before reopening as a lap dancing club.

The Coven currently operates as a nightclub.

The council refused to renew the club’s licence at its previous venue, in Pennyfarthing Place behind the Westgate Shopping Centre, as it was too close to churches, shops and tourist attractions.

But the council’s licensing sub-committee granted a licence for The Coven premises, as it felt the club’s revised opening time of 11pm meant it would not overlap with its neighbours, including Oxford & Cherwell Valley College and Oxford ice rink.

But the Rev Vaughan Roberts, of St Ebbe’s Church, said he was “disappointed and surprised” by the decision.

“We continue to believe that this kind of club is not good anywhere in our city because it undermines God’s good gift of marriage and degrades women,” he said.

Jon Payne, the barrister representing the church, said the church was considering its next move that could include launching a challenge in the High Court.

Last year, the church fought and lost a court challenge to The Lodge at its previous venue.