A former pub and restaurant in Houston could be transformed into a fitness studio – if proposals are given the green light by Renfrewshire Council.
Infinity Fitness wants planning permission to change the use of the building in the village’s Main Street, which would pave the way for it to become a space for various exercise classes.
Documents submitted to the local authority in support of the application reveal that, if successful, the applicant intends to purchase the property, which would then undergo a renovation project at an estimated cost of around £45,000 excluding VAT.
They have told planners the building would be brought “back to life” as a “boutique fitness facility” with a reception, spin studio, reformer pilates studio, beauty treatment room and changing facilities.
A design and access statement said: “The existing building is vacant and as time passes is becoming less loved.
“Signs of damp and mould are forming within the building. The applicant will take ownership of the building upon a successful planning application.
“The proposal will bring this corner of Houston back to life and provide a health and wellbeing facility for the community.”
It continued: “As the building has been unoccupied for so long the outside of the building is showing signs of ageing and may encourage squatters/vandalism.
“When I have the building occupied I will restore the original paint work (white with black trim) to keep [the] aesthetic in line with neighbouring buildings. I will only add two external signs to the building.”
According to an email from the council’s planning department, the building is covered by Policy P1 of the Renfrewshire local development plan, which states proposals must be “compatible” with existing uses in the area.
They raised noise and parking as “likely main issues”, but the applicant said the spin and reformer studios would be soundproofed and a noise impact assessment carried out, while members would be encouraged to cycle to the facility through an award programme.
While planners said they would support the re-use of the building in principle, this would be subject to the compatibility being “assessed as acceptable”.
The council will make a decision on the application at a later date.
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