Residents object to plans to expand CrossFit gym in Wigan industrial units
A proposal has been put forward to turn industrial units in Wigan into a bodybuilding gym.
A planning application has been submitted by Leon Cooper, who runs CrossFit Wigan, to change the use of the two units next to his current gym on Richard Street, Ince.
A supporting statement says: “The proposals seek to expand the applicant’s existing fitness provision at CrossFit Wigan, located in the adjoining unit three, by introducing a bodybuilding-focused gym within units one and two.
"The new facility will provide a quieter, more traditional training environment, complementing the high-intensity CrossFit operation and enabling the business to meet increasing local demand.”
The statement says the gym would “operate independently from – but alongside – CrossFit Wigan, with separate access and entry arrangements”.
It would be open from 6am to 9.30pm on weekdays, 8am to 5pm on Saturdays and 8am to 2pm on Sundays.
No external changes are proposed to the units, which are currently vacant.
Existing marked car parking bays on the industrial estate would be “sufficient” for both the gym and existing CrossFit centre, the statement says.
However, parking was among the issues raised by two people living on nearby James Street, who have written letters of objection.
One objector wrote: “There is already a gym there which causes a lot of stress for us residents. Music blasting out. Shouting orders out. The weekends are worse. The houses actually shake with the noise and dropping of weights on the floor.
"The landlord of the property has had words with them and it stops for a short period of time, but eventually raises back up again and we start the same process again.
“Also we have another gym at the end of James Street which causes havoc regarding vehicle parking. Residents cannot get down their own street and park down their own driveway because of the congestion. We have had words with the owner, and same again it goes okay for a while, then back to congestion.
“On occasions residents have approached the car owners, only to be warned off with abuse and bad language.”
Wigan Council is currently holding a consultation on the planning application and expects to make a decision in April.