Gym use at Site Of Amex House, Edward Street, Brighton

The proposed use

The application concerned full planning permission for the site of Amex House, with discussion focused on a gym and other leisure uses.

“Councillor Guilmant was informed that there were two applications for the site as they were two separate units. The gym will be traditional and not a climbing centre and is a currently a concrete box. Free weights will require spring floor or matting and this will be submitted to planning. The planning manager confirmed that the application was for leisure uses and would allow for other leisure uses in addition to a gym.”

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The site and building

The lower-ground-floor unit was empty, unfinished and had three flats above it; the building was described as having sound proofing.

“Councillor Cattell was informed that the interested company operated 24hr gyms. Steve Eccles stated that noise testing was ongoing throughout the building and other works included the removal of a concrete floor and the fitting out of offices. The case officer noted that the building conformed to building regulations including sound proofing.”

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Who addressed the committee

A ward councillor spoke for local residents, while a director of Edward Street Quarter supported the application and described the development.

Noise and opening hours

Members questioned vibration, sound mitigation, conditions and 24-hour opening, including the proposed noise management scheme and treatment of free weights.

“Councillor Robinson was informed that the conditions would be different to the previous application for the climbing wall, as they will include prevention of vibration noise. The case officer confirmed that prior to occupation a noise management scheme will be required. The building is a new build and therefore has good sound proofing. The planning manager confirmed that E use classes are generally considered to be, compatible with residential units.”

“Councillor Pickett was informed that the applicant applied for the 24hr use and sound mitigation would be part of the noise mitigation plan. It was noted that a noise decibel of reduction of 5db above Building Regulations requirements was appropriate for party walls when permission was granted in 2018.”

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Members’ views

Most members considered a gym a suitable use for the empty space and supported 24-hour opening, while some remained concerned about residents and noise.

“Councillor Parrott considered it was a shame the space was empty, and a gym was a desirable use. Edward Street is not a quiet part of the city and was a busy area. The councillor supported the application.”

“Councillor Sheard considered that residents wanted the 24hr use and they knew people who work odd hours. The councillor considered the area, near the police station, St James’ Street and the hospital, so the residents already live with noise. The councillor supported the application.”

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The committee’s vote

The committee voted by 8 to 2 abstentions to grant planning permission.

“A vote was held and by 8 to 2 abstentions the committee agreed to grant planning permission.”

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The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the conditions and informatives in the report.

“RESOLVED: That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives in the report.”

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