The creation of a gym out of what was a warehouse is to be debated at a later date after it was deferred by Bolton Council.

The Hybrid Performance Centre applied for planning permission towards the end of last year for its home in Westhoughton.

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 was 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.

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."

(Image: Google)

There was 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.

It is to be debated at a later date after it was deferred by the council at a meeting of the Planning Committee on September 12.

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 next meeting of the Planning Committee is next month.

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