The creation of a gym at an industrial unit is back before the council after a decision was delayed on the site in Westhoughton.

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

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

It is a change of use for what was an industrial unit in among other businesses including James Booth Ltd and L&B Motors Ltd but there was no application for planning permission until this one.

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) The application for planning permission was up for consideration by the planning committee two months ago but a decision was delayed.

The recommendation is to approve the application for planning permission when the committee is at the town hall on Thursday, November 7.

This is in spite of opposition from a number of 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.

The recommendation is subject to conditions including closing the doors if there is any music.

A report said: "It is considered that the development would comply with the policies and so members are recommended to approve the application subject to conditions."

A cafe is on the cards at the same site but it 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 spring.

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