Garage gym at 8 Stonedale Skelton-in-Cleveland, Saltburn-by-the-Sea

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective conversion of a domestic garage into a fitness and wellbeing gym, with a French door added to the side.

“Permission is sought for change of use of domestic garage (Use Class C3) to gym for fitness and wellbeing (Use Class E); addition of French door to side (retrospective).”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Nine objections raised concerns about the location, traffic, parking, activity and noise, while 55 supporters cited the business’s benefits and available parking.

“Unsuitable location. • Commercial gym is not suitable for a small residential cul-de-sac. • A business with multiple daily visitors affects the character of the area. • Increase in traffic. • Street not designed for this level of traffic. • Speed of vehicles is a concern. • All the support is not from local residents or neighbours to the application site. • Activity from 6am. • Parking issues. • Restrictive covenants. • How can planning override the covenant.”

“Small businesses should be encouraged. • Development would not be detrimental. • Use is a valuable resource for their clients. • Support the application. • Ample parking at the property. • Would not cause disturbance. • It is a great business with many benefits for its customers. • A five bed property could generate parking and vehicular traffic at a similar level to the small business. • The business really helps its clients. • 1:2:1 training is very beneficial.”

Officer report

What the applicant said

The applicant described a small, low-impact 1:2:1 service without classes or loud music, with on-site parking and no intention to expand.

Members’ discussion

Members were reassured by the seven-year operation without complaints, the health benefits, and restrictions on 1:2:1 sessions and expansion.

“clarify how many people would be at the property at any one time? • How long have you been at your current property and did you move to accommodate the running of the business; • Are you currently seeing clients; • Had there been any complaints in relation to noise or had there been any interaction with the Council with regard to noise? • Had there been any contact with Environmental Health?”

“The applicant had been operating for 7 years without any complaints having been received; • It was common practice with the advances in IT for businesses to be conducted from residential properties especially.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to approved plans, opening-hour, session-limit, operator and parking conditions.

“RESOLVED that Planning Permission be granted subject to the following conditions:-”

“Location Plan received by the Local Planning Authority on 09/01/2026 Garage floor plan received by the Local Planning Authority on 12/01/2026 Proposed side elevation received by the Local Planning Authority on 12/01/2026”

Minutes