A BUSINESS is challenging planners' decision to refuse permission to convert a Romsey car salesroom into a gym.

Allen Taylor, of Taylor Made Automotive, applied for the change at Unit 7, Frobisher Industrial Centre in Budds Lane.

The application was refused by Test Valley Borough Council officers using delegated powers.

The council's decision said: “The proposal for change of use to a gymnasium can be provided on the site without impact to the character and appearance of the area or biodiversity. 

“Furthermore, there would be no harm to amenity of neighbouring properties, highways or flooding.

READ MORE: Romsey planning: Town council objects to plan for new gym over noise

“However, the proposal does not demonstrate that every reasonable attempt has been made to secure employment or for the current vehicle sales use. The site is located within a strategic employment site, and marketing information would have determined whether there is interest in the unit.”

The plans had two objections over potential noise pollution and ten supporting comments. 

In the planning statement, it said: “The main reason for the change of use being that the car sales business (established on site since 2016) is not proving to be financially viable. The applicant is passionate about fitness, and is therefore looking to pursue an alternative career operating a gymnasium from the site.

“The development requires no external changes to the building. Internally, space is provided for standard gym equipment, while a boxing ring is also proposed. The applicant does not intend to provide large scale classes, though one on one fitness training will be offered.”

An appeal against the decision was submitted on Monday, September 18. 

The appeal statement described the refusal as 'null and void and highly unreasonable'. It said: “The proposed change of use from sui generis (car sales) to a gymnasium (Class E) has been refused at the appeal site on one very specific ground. That being that, in the opinion of the local planning authority, the appellant is required to carry out an appropriate marketing exercise to demonstrate that the proposal complies with criterion a of local plan policy LE10. That being to demonstrate the site is no longer required to meet the economic needs of the area. 

“It is contended that the site demonstrated it was no longer required to meet the economic needs of the area when planning permission was granted for the change of use from B8 to sui generis use in 2016. There should be no further requirement to pass this test for as long as the site remains in non-employment use, especially as the local planning authority approved the previous loss of employment use at the appeal site without any marketing or other justification information. 

“The refusal reason is therefore considered to be null and void and highly unreasonable. A costs award has been submitted by the appellant to this effect.”

To read more about the appeal, search 23/00674/FULLS on Test Valley Borough Council's online planning portal.