Plans for a replacement gym and saunas in a Valleys country park have been given the green light.
A planning application for a proposed gym and sauna at Commando Fit in Dare Valley Country Park was approved by Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council's planning committee on Thursday, October 8.
Development details
The development will include the construction of a new building to accommodate a replacement gym. The existing gym operates within a marquee which got planning permission in 2024.
This new proposal also includes the development of a sauna facility, which would include four sauna pods and cold plunges.
Councillor requests and officer recommendation
Councillors Ann Crimmings and Gareth Jones had requested that the application be reported to the planning committee so that matters relating to the location of the development and access to utilities could be discussed.
In recommending approval, planning officers said in their report: “Whilst the application site is located outside of the defined settlement boundary, the site forms part of the wider Dare Valley Country Park which is a well-established recreational facility offering a range of leisure uses.
“The applicant has advised that the Commando Fit business has operated a number of fitness classes from the wider Dare Valley Country Park for some time and the business has now become established in this area of the park, via the introduction of a dedicated gym facility at the site during 2024.
“As such, the principle of the development is deemed to be acceptable, and the proposal would not give rise to any significant impacts on the surrounding environment in terms of its scale, design and appearance.
“Furthermore, the highway network serving the site would not be compromised as a result of the development, whilst the site is situated well within the boundary of the wider Dare Valley Country Park, and the proposal would therefore not have any impact upon the amenity and privacy of surrounding residents, uses and facilities.”
