Women-only gym set to open at former Preston pig farm

The members only leisure facility has been approved by the city council in a former farm building in Barton.

The scheme to convert part of the unit at Hill Top Farm off Jepps Lane got the backing of planning officers despite three letters of objection from residents.

Concerns were raised about increased traffic on Jepps Lane and the width of an unlit access track.

But officers felt the gym would not cause any undue issues with vehicles and approved the plans subject to a number of conditions.

The opening hours are anticipated to be 5am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 6am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday. The gym will create three full-time jobs.

A planning report to the council said the gym would not have an adverse impact on neighbours because the nearest house was more than 110-metres away.

"The facility would be a female only indoor gym and it is anticipated to be a member only club," said the report.

"Given that the current use (of the unit) is unrestricted by hours of operation the addition of the gym will have no adverse impact on the neighbouring residents."

Hill Top Farm was originally a pig farm before it became a timber yard in the 1960s and 1970s. It later became a builder's yard and storage area.

The report said the sports venue would prove to be a local facility.

"It is considered it would meet local need and would not have an unacceptable impact on the surrounding rural area. given its small scale nature."