PLANS for a new Pure Gym site to open in the Neath Port Talbot area have been approved by the local council this month.
The proposals, which were brought before the planning committee at a meeting on April 24, were given the go-ahead by councillors for a new gym at the Vale of Neath Retail Park.
The application now has permission to change the use of an existing building formerly used as a Carpet Right/Topps Tiles into one of the well-known fitness gyms just north of Neath town centre.
Once opened, plans say the proposed gym could provide areas for cardiovascular fitness machines, functional fitness equipment, resistance weight machines, free weight equipment, room for fitness classes and changing facilities, over a floor space of approximately 964 square metres.
It would also be opened to its customers 24-hours a day with the site “intended to primarily serve residents of Neath” on land directly opposite Halfords off the A4230, Cadoxtomn Road.
Speaking at the planning committee, some councillors expressed concerns over the plans, in particular when it came to potential noise impacts on residents with regards to the late opening hours, as well as issues raised with parking at the site.
However, officers said in response that the development would have conditions placed on it to control maximum noise levels at all times, with surveys showing that the 100-space car parking spaces available were above the 92 that would be required for such a site.
Following officer’s recommendation, the plans were later approved unanimously by council members in attendance at the meeting along with a vote not to carry out a site visit to the area beforehand.
