Agenda item

Change of use of the 1st and 2nd floors to a 24 hour gym (Class D2).

Recommendation: Approval

RESOLVED - That the application be refused.

Officers introduced the report, which sought planning permission for the change of use of the first and second floor to a 24 hour gym from an office. Officers made a recommendation for approval.

A petitioner, Chairman from Northwood Hills Residents' Association addressed the Committee, in objection of the application and made the following points:

-       There was concern about the numbers that the applicant indicated who would be accessing the gym by public transport and vehicle.

-       Assessment of late and demand is also a concern for concern the applicant believes that the number of membership could rise 2177 members of which 25 percent will be outside the area. This will cause noise pollution and traffic congestion.

-       The petitioner uestioend the traffic comparative statement, as it was being compared to a different area which did not include roundablt and high schools.

-       The traffic situation in Joel Street is bad and has been visited has been commissioned and outside consultancy firm is asked to give reocmmendaiton on how to improve traffic congestion.

-       16 car park spaces is just about feasible. With 10 full time staff and 5 full time staff this will impact the available parking. Also the impoact of the pub being opened.

The applicant's agent addressed the Committee and made the following points:

-       This site was being used as a office space and the number of people visiting the offices is compatative to people who would be visiting the gym.

-       The benefits of the scheme will include offering people with hectic work patterns to access the gym.

-       It is estimated that people using the site at any one given time would be 100. During peak hours it is expected that 20 members of staff at any one tie.

-       There is no restriction on current operation use. The ground floor use as pub does not have restrictions. Extensive work with the council has ironed out an y issues. A list of proposed conditions will protect residents neighbouring the sites.

-       The applicant is committed that the gym did nt impose an adverse impact on local amenity of neighbours.

-       The proposal would increase business in the local area.

Councillor Bianco, Ward Councillor for Northwood Hills addressed the Committee. He explained that Northwood Hills was not a town centre and is a suburb. Out of hours its was sometimes busy , this and one other building only has not got residents above it. All other shops have resdiental properties. In the last type years Northwood Hills has seen significant imoprivment , which included iporving the car parking for the shops and alot was doen too improve that car parking. The number shave been improved and this had lef to a revivial in the umber of shops that ae occupied. 20 staff on site and most of them will come back by car. Parking is a significant issue and a 24 hours gym will be cause issues for local residents.

Members discussed the practicalities of parking, with only 16 car parking spaces available. Members discussed that this street refreshments and restaurants meant that there was limited parking, and vehicles dropping off goods to the pub. 20 staff members where would people go. The gym operating 24 hours will have illuminated lighting which will impact local residents who live nearby. Members did not accept the transport assessment.  

Officers explained that that proposed development is in a suburban location wih excellent transport links, served by three bus services and tube services. The last train leaving Chesham at 10 30. The town centre has recently been improved and is well lit and modernised. Joining a gym is a lifestyle, you pay your money and your contract and you have incentive to use the gym the more you use the gym the more you familiar with the gym.

There were a number of conditions in the report to manage noise issues but were concerned about parking stress and light pollution. Members wished to overturn the recommend the officer's recommendation on highway grounds on the basis that there was parking stress sin this are and this proposal had insufficient parking.

A motion to overturn the officer's recommendation was moved, seconded, and when put to a vote, unanimously agreed.

RESOLVED - The officer's recommendation be overturned and the application be refused.