A new gym is set to open in Carlisle after the council gave the proposal the go-ahead.

A vision to transform the car showroom at Willowholme Industrial Estate was submitted to Carlisle City Council on Friday, March 5.

The site was previously home to Venturo Motors.

Application documents outline that the plan would be to provide leisure, health and fitness facilities on the site.

In planning documents, the applicant stated: “The intent is to provide exceptional service within state of the art facilities that allow the public to pursue an active, fun and healthy lifestyle through a gym facility fit for purpose.

“The proposed facility will include up to date gym equipment including treadmills, multi use gyms and exercise bikes.”

They added: “The facility will present an all-encompassing experience in leisure and fitness.”

Two members of the public had raised concerns regarding the plans with some reservations expressed over the plan for the premises to be “open 24/7”, with another stating “music, noisy cars, doors opening and closing and people talking in groups will have a detrimental effect [on the] mental health, sleep, privacy and general wellbeing” of neighbours.

However, Carlisle City Council in a Decision Notice confirmed their decision to grant permission for the development stating that the plans fall in line with both national and local planning policy.

They concluded: “In overall terms, the proposal relates to a building designated as being within a Primary Employment Area and outside of the city centre.

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use to a gymnasium. The National Planning Policy Framework and Local Plan policies seek to protect the vitality and viability of city and town centres by generally requiring main town centre uses to be within the town centre and only where adequately supported can these be considered in edge of centre or out of centre locations."

You can view the application at carlisle.gov.uk

When prompted, to access the application use the reference: 21/0198