Town Council says no to Poundland gym plans, but will Powys listen?

Welshpool Town Council delivered an emphatic ‘no’ last night to plans to convert Poundland into a 24/7 gymnasium run by a national chain.

The town was stunned last week when we broke the news that the building’s owners were looking for a change of use so that Snap 24/7 Fitness could become their new tenants in future.

It didn’t go down well with our readers who pointed to the fact that there is already enough gym provision in the town, including one across the road.

But prior to last night’s discussion at the local authority’s Planning Committee meeting, Chair, Cllr Chris Davies, reminded those present that “we are only consultees and the decision will be made by Powys County Council”.

That decision is expected before September 24, but at last night’s meeting it was clear just how unpopular the application is.

Welshpool County Councillor, Graham Breeze, informed the chamber that he has requested the decision is taken out of the hands of a single planning officer and be decided by the county council’s planning committee.

“The reason being that I feel this is a loss of significant and important retail space when the town is lacking this type of facility,” said Cllr Breeze. “It is a terrible thought that this building could be lost to the retail sector in Welshpool, particularly as this is so close to the town centre and accessible on foot for so many people.

“I also feel there isn’t a need in the town for another gymnasium although that is not a planning reason for opposing such an application.”

Cllr Breeze also said the application was misleading as it states that 90 parking spaces are included in Berriew Street Car Park. He explained these spaces were actually leased from Powys County Council and the annual £5,000 payment made merely ensured they are not built on.

Great Fitness owner Chris Greatorex then highlighted that there were already five gymnasiums operating in the town and said that he had considered going 24/7 on a fob system but after a risk assessment it was decided the location was too close to pubs and residential.

Town councillors then took it in turn to criticise the application, with Cllr Nick Howells summing up sentiment when he said: “Why on earth would a large international gym company want to open a 24/7 gym in a small Mid Wales town that already has five other gyms.”

Cllr Phil Pritchard warned that if successful it was the sort of move that is “killing this town”, but former Mayor, Cllr Phil Owen, was more cautious, adding that Welshpool didn’t want another empty huge retail space like the former Sainsbury’s should the application fail and struggling Poundland close.

Mayor Cllr Bill Rowell said: “Sadly, the fact that there are several gyms in town already isn’t a reason for turning it down. But the balance of retail as opposed to other use is an important one and we do have to take that seriously. We need to try and preserve that retail balance and the position of that supermarket building is an important one.”

After a lengthy discussion Cllr Morag Bailey’s proposal to reject the plan based on the reasons discussed was unanimously supported by the committee members.

The decision will now be ratified by the full Town Council before being forwarded to Powys County Council who will make the final decision at their Planning Meeting.