A PROPOSAL to pave the way for a new 24-hour gym in Brighton Hill has been given the green light.

Members of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Development Control Committee granted planning permission to the Gym Group to change Unit 3A at St Michael’s Retail Park, in Harrow Way, into a 24-hour fitness facility.

Ahead of a meeting on Wednesday last week, there had been a number of objections against the application, arguing the 24-hour access would impact residents living near the site.

During the meeting, Peter Tanner from the Gym Group said: “The proposed change of this provides a much-needed facility which will add to the benefits of the retail park.

“It will benefit health and wellbeing to the wider community.”

He added: “Members will be given a unique customer number which will be entered on a pin pad system to access the park outside of retail hours.

“We have seen this system work in a successful way at our gym in Wycombe and have had no issues with it.”

However, Brighton Hill North ward councillor Andy Konieczko, said no further units should be opened on the St Michael’s site, arguing issues with the park’s landlord had not been resolved.

He said: “St Michael’s Retail Park’s landlord has shown that it has been unwilling or unable to compile with planning policy and making it not a good neighbour.

“I have heard from neighbours that they there have been issues with the illumination of the totem poll and incidents of cars spinning around the car park late at night.

“Until we have confidence in the landlord then I suggest we reject this application.”

Despite the concerns raised, councillors on the panel said this was not a direct reflection on the applicant of the gym proposal and took the decision to approve the application.