Councillors have signed off plans for a new gym in North Gosforth.
It comes after 27 objections were submitted to North Tyneside Council against the business proposals.
The gym is set to stand on the site of the former schoolhouse and cottages on Sandy Lane.
Read More: £63m fund to save swimming pools could be 'lifeline' for Gateshead leisure centres
Coun Michelle Fox submitted her opposition in writing and said: “As you are aware this area is a conservation area and in the heart of residential dwellings as well as a nearby church. I have had contact from residents who have made it clear to me as their councillor that they object to the plans, not only for the above reasons I’ve mentioned but because of the adverse impact locally on wildlife, traffic congestion, concerns about the height of the design and how having a commercial business opposite their homes will impact their quality of life.
“I also share concerns about the above and about the design of the proposed, which in my view would not integrate well with the local setting and is much higher than it needs to be to accommodate a single level. Also, as residents have mentioned to me there are nearby industrial estates which might be a more suitable location, has this been explored in earnest by the builder, as opposed to locating it in a residential area?”
Residents were also concerned the proposal was not appropriate given its proximity to the Grade II listed Sacred Heart Church.
However, council officers supported the application and claimed the scheme would be a sustainable development on an unused brownfield site.
Council documents also stated: “The proposal is within convenient and safe walking distance of surrounding communities and could contribute towards social inclusion and sustainable development by providing a facility for people to spend time together and improve their health and wellbeing.”
The plans were approved by councillors with five votes in favour to two against.
Read More:
- Public inquiry begins into council's plans to demolish historic North Tyneside bridge
- New Lidl and Greggs proposed in Benton at site of Mercedes dealership
Warning of UK beaches to avoid after sewage leaks - including 15 in the North East
Suspected drug driver behind wheel of 10-tonne wagon in Northumberland is arrested
Metro timetable cuts: Leaked email reveals broken trains were true reason behind peak services axe
