COUNCILLORS have approved a plan for a new gym in Heckmondwike, despite being advised by officers to reject it.
Owner Howard Cook wants to convert an industrial unit at Smithies Lane to a gym, but planning officers said there were better sites nearer the town centre.
They also said the applicant had not demonstrated that the premises were no longer needed f
or continued business use.
A report to the Heavy Woollen planning sub-committee said: "The gym is proposed in a remote location which is not considered to be easily accessible especially by public transport.
"Given the out of centre location, evidence of need has not been demonstrated and it appears that there are sequentially preferable sites available."
However Coun David Sheard (Lab, Heck) said the council was being inconsistent in its own policy, having approved other out of town centre gyms.
"There is the Stadium Pool and Fitness Club in Huddersfield, the JJB Fitness Club in Birstall, PJs Health and Fitness Village in Cleckheaton and the La Femme Ladies' Fitness Club in Walkley Lane, Heckmondwike," he said.
"I think the council is being totally inconsistent with this; we have allowed them everywhere else on industrial land and out of town centres, so I move we approve this one."
Coun Adrian Murphy (Con, Kirkburton) said: "It's out of the way so there's no problem with parking, it's adding employment and there are the health benefits."
Coun Sheard added jokingly: "Can I just make it clear that however much I might need to, I have no intention of using a gym!"
The full article contains 271 words and appears in Spenborough Guardian newspaper.
