Fitness and therapy facility at 160 Greenhill Road, Mossley Hill, Liverpool

What was proposed

The application sought a Pilates and sports-therapy facility with a single-storey side extension, studios, therapy rooms and ancillary facilities.

“The Proposal The application site comprises part of a detached two storey building that consist of commercial uses to the ground floor and some residential uses to the upper floors. Planning permission is sought to convert No 160 ground and first floor into a fitness/well being use. The proposal would be used as a Pilates studio to the ground floor, and a sports therapy use to the upper floor. To allow for the conversion a single storey side extension is also proposed.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Environmental Health raised no objection subject to noise controls, while highways raised no objection subject to cycle parking and other conditions.

“Internal Consultations Inter-departmental Environmental Health No objection subject to conditions in relation to no amplified music.”

“Sustainable Transport, Highways and Parking Matters The application site falls in a residential area, and it is part of a parade of businesses along Greenhill Road. The proposed commercial indoor fitness/recreation use will likely attract custom form the local area predominantly. Most clients will likely travel to the site via sustainable means and so cycle parking provision should be made available to both staff clients.”

Officer report

What people said

One letter supported the proposal and twelve objected, citing parking, congestion, noise, residential character, accessibility, litter and intensification.

“Neighbours 1 letter of support stating that they simply support the proposal was received. 12 letters of objection have been received. The concerns raised have been summarised below. ▪ Parking and Highway Safety: Residents report that the area already experiences severe parking pressures associated with the convenience store, parcel-collection activity, nearby flats, the public house, and school drop-off/pick-up times.”

“Impact on Disabled and Vulnerable Residents: A carer for a disabled resident raises concerns regarding reduced accessibility caused by obstructed pavements, parking on kerb drops, and increased noise. Reference is made to the Council’s duties under the Equality Act 2010. ▪ Impact on Residential Character: Several residents consider the proposal to introduce an intensive commercial use into a predominantly residential street.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three members of the public objected over client parking, while the applicant described the proposal as a private, appointment-only clinical facility.

The decision

The application was approved with conditions proposed by the Director of Planning and Building Control.

“25F/2681 to erect a single storey side extension at 160 Greenhill Road, Liverpool 18, in connection with the use of the premises for commercial indoor fitness/recreation (Use Class E(d)), be approved with Conditions as proposed by the Director of Planning and Building Control. _____”

Minutes

Main conditions

Conditions control operating hours, glazing, cycle parking, amplified sound, servicing, waste, materials and the permitted use.

“The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the following drawings and documents: 2565-02-03-002 Rev 2 Proposed Plans 2565-02-05-002 Rev 1 Proposed Elevations 2565-02-03-001 Rev 1 Existing Plans 2562-02-02-002 Rev 1 Existing Site Plans Pilates Weekly Timetable REASON: For the avoidance of doubt. The external finishes of the development hereby permitted shall match in materials, colour, style, bonding and texture those of the existing building.”

“REASON: The Local Authority wishes to retain control over future uses 10 No loading or unloading, servicing, collections or deliveries shall be carried out outside the hours of –”

Officer report