' I was 25 years old, I was young and naïve' gym owner's plea to planning bosses

A gym owner in Westhoughton is celebrating after receiving planning permission for his business . The Strength Factory, which is located on Manchester Road in Westhoughton , submitted an application back in January this year to change the use of the site from general industrial use to commercial usage for an indoor gym and café. The Hybrid Performance Centre, which is the main part of the gym located in the lot next door, applied for planning permission towards the end of last year.

The application was put before Bolton Council's planning committee. Owner Andrew Hibbert apologised for the retrospective filing of the plans when questioned by the panel , he said: “I was 25 years old, I was young and naïve. A colleague told me that I didn’t have to apply for planning permission and go through the proper processes and I blindly believed them without conducting my own research.



“I didn’t fully understand the process at the time, I would like to rectify this issue and go through the correct processes to keep the business secure.” Despite the business dating back to at least 2016 on Google Maps, it received 24 objection letters to the proposed site changes from residents around the Westhoughton area. Concerns were raised over the parking provision and road safety on Manchester Road which is exacerbated by the gym and proximity to the The Gates Primary School.

Other objectors drew attention to the use of loud music coming from the unit prior to 6am which neighbours complained as keeping them awake. READ MORE: Arson probe after 3 men 'throw lit fireworks' into Turton house Pretty Little Closet in Tonge Moore forced to shut after crash Bolton Council rejects planning application for house in Harwood The council heard that Environmental Health were consulted regarding noise concerns and a noise impact assessment was carried out in the area. It was also hard that numerous other assessments had been carried out on the industrial park surrounding the gym over the years and have not found the music to be audible at the residential properties.

” Residents living around the industrial unit were also offered noise recording equipment, none of which took up the offer whilst Mr Hibbert maintained that the property remained open from 6am throughout the planning application period. A short presentation from Mr Hibbert described how the site had been “life changing” for several Westhoughton residents and providing a positive and social space for the community to improve their physical health and mental wellbeing. The report recommended that the council approve the application on the conditions that visitors do not park on the double yellow lines surrounding the site.

The door should also remain closed whilst any music is playing and an additional 45 parking spaces should be made available at the site. Cllr David Wilkinson said: “Whilst I will vote for the change of use for the premises today, it should be noted that failure for the business to comply with demands regarding parking and noise disturbance will be met with harsh repercussions.” All 17 committee members unanimously voted in favour of the application.

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