A 24-hour gym in Standish that opened earlier this year without planning permission has been granted approval by councillors.
Trans4orm, on Bradley Lane, Standish, has operated from the former Douglas Valley Breakers premises within the Bradley Hall Trading Estate since June 20 this year.
Wigan council's planning committee considered a retrospective application for a change of use of the premises into a round-the-clock gym, along with an extension of an upper floor and installation of a mezzanine level.
Support and objections
The council received 91 representations of support and 26 objections to the plans. Supporters said the use would support health and wellbeing, employment and a growing population in the town. Objectors raised concerns about parking, traffic and over-saturation of such gyms.
Gregg Scott, the founder and owner of Trans4orm Gyms, addressed the committee.
He said: "I've lived in Wigan all my life and call Standish home. I genuinely believe the gym is making a difference to people's lives.
"I wanted a place where people can feel welcome, be supported and somewhere they can become better versions of themselves.
"It's about the person walking through the door for the first time, nervous and lacking in confidence and somebody struggling with mental health.
"Those are the things that matter to me and that's exactly what we've brought to Standish. I believe in what we've created and I believe that Standish deserves a facility like this."
Operations and capacity
Councillors heard that gym occupancy was typically between 10 and 25 users during peak periods, with a maximum capacity of 40.
Access is controlled through a digital membership and booking system which manages entry, monitors attendance and regulates class bookings.
The premises are staffed throughout operational hours, with 15 employees working on a rota basis, supported by a pool of personal trainers.
There are 27 car parking spaces and four motorcycle spaces associated with the gym.
The committee voted unanimously to approve the plans.
