24-hour gym set to get green light for Aldridge Shopping Centre

Walsall Council’s planning committee deferred a decision on national firm Anytime Fitness’ plans to open a branch in Aldridge Shopping Centre after concerns that neighbouring residents hadn’t been consulted.

But a report to committee, which is set to discuss the issue on Thursday, confirmed people living in affected flats had been gauged for their views.

Officers are now recommending the gym, which will be created on a disused part of the centre, is given approval.

Anytime Fitness said the gym will create the equivalent of five full-time jobs. While access for members will be 24-hour, staff will work from 8am to 8pm.

A report to committee said: “Members deferred determination of this application to seek confirmation of the extent of consultation with the residential properties within The Square of the shopping centre.

“It is confirmed that these shops and the flats above were formally notified of this planning application on May 30 and a site notice was posted within The Square, outside the former Market Hall, on June 5.”

Some objected to the original application, including Aldridge Central and South councillor Tim Wilson, who believed the operation could result in anti-social behaviour.

They also raised concerns over disturbance caused by loud music, noisy machines and added any new jobs created by Anytime Fitness would be negated by existing nearby gyms being put out of business.

But the report said: “The site is situated within the Aldridge district centre and the proposed use is identified as an appropriate use.

“The proposed use would bring a vacant premises within the district centre back into use.

“Whilst there is an existing gym in close proximity to the application site, this gym operates restricted hours and competition is not a material planning consideration.

“Environmental Health have raised no objections subject to the submission of a noise assessment and any mitigation measures identified being implemented prior to the first occupation of the premises.

“West Midlands Police have also advised that they have no records of any anti-social behaviour attributed to existing 24 hour gyms run by the applicants within their region.”