Wokingham borough council planning officers have approved a change of use application that will see a branch of Pure Gym coming to Winnersh.
Agents for the property owners applied for permission for the vacant warehouse building off King Street Lane within Winnersh District Centre.
The unit had a lawful storage and distribution use with ancillary sales, and was previously occupied by a kitchen fittings retailer with a showroom.
The warehouse is set well back from the highway, with a parking and service area to the front. The site backs onto housing on Reading Road and Rainbow Park, and is adjoined by a timber merchant and an industrial unit.
It noted that the intended occupier of the site, PureGym, would introduce 24/7 opening hours. There would be no gym classes or staff presence overnight.
No external works were proposed under this application, with the existing highway access and parking area to be utilised.
Officers noted: “It is recognised that 24-hour opening represents a material change in operational characteristics when compared to the site’s previous occupation.
“However, having regard to the findings of the acoustic assessment, the Environmental Health consultation response, the expected low overnight patronage and the containment of activities within the building, this factor does not justify refusal.
“Hence, subject to the recommended mitigation being secured by condition, the proposal would avoid unacceptable harm to the amenity of neighbouring occupiers
Officers approved the application, 260600, on July 23.
