The creation of a gym out of what was a warehouse is up for approval a number of years after its completion in Westhoughton.

The Hybrid Performance Centre applied for planning permission for its home on Manchester Road towards the end of last year.

According to Google Maps the creation of one part of the gym, The Strength Factory, dates back to at least 2016 while the creation of another part of the gym, The Hybrid Performance Centre, dates back to at least 2022.

It is a change of use for what was a warehouse in amongst other businesses including James Booth Ltd and L&B Motors Ltd but there was no application for planning permission until the one up for consideration this week.

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It said: "I was advised to change the classification on the portal from Class B to Class E as the premises is being used for a gym."

A report recommends the approval of the application by the Planning Committee at the town hall on September 12 as long as there are conditions on the opening times at the premises and the playing of music at the premises.

There is opposition from 16 residents over issues including the impact on the residents on the other side of Manchester Road, where there are a number of homes and The Gates Primary School, as well as the impact on Manchester Road itself in terms of parking provision and road safety.

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The report said: "In relation to the change of use the gym would have a limited impact on the character and appearance of the area due to it being in an already mixed-use area.

"It is considered the gym would have limited impact on the character and appearance of the area in accordance with the policies of Places for Everyone and the Core Strategy."

A cafe is on the cards at the same site but this is not addressed in the application or in the report. The Tattooed Baker was at the same site until this year but it shut in the spring.

The Planning Committee is at the town hall on September 12.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.