New CrossFit gym for Oldhamers to use gets approval

Based on the Middleton and Oldham border, the site of the gym will be in a business park on Greengate, adjacent to a Stagecoach depot.

The single-storey unit operated as a repair workshop for many years before the applicant took over the tenancy of the building.

In the planning statement, which was submitted in July, it is said that the applicant has already begun works to convert the site into a gym, which is called CrossFit Fixus.

This is said to be because the applicant was "incorrectly advised" that the building's change of use would not need planning permission.

However, the applicant is said to have not begun operating the gym yet and wanted to work with the council to "voluntarily regularise the situation".

The plans outline how the building will be split into two workout areas, with one area being an exercise studio, where classes will take place, and the other containing typical CrossFit equipment, including weights, ropes, bars, kettlebells, medicine balls and other standard gym items and machinery.

The planning statement offers limits on the number of people that can be in each area at a time, with a suggested maximum of eight people in the studio and 12 people in the gym.

Other facilities the building will contain include a reception area, unisex toilets, a physiotherapy room and a small kitchen area for staff.

The planning statement says 15 car parking spaces will be available to the side of the unit and in the case of an overflow, parking can be found elsewhere in the business park.

The gym will operate between 6am and 8pm each day and it has been proposed the building is available for hire for personal trainers to hold classes.

The application report concludes that the proposal would not lead to any major adverse impact on the area or on the amenity of people working in nearby properties.

Approval for the application was signed on behalf of the council on Wednesday, September 28.