Two fitness studios at Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Christchurch

The site and surroundings

The leisure facility is near Stony Lane South, commercial and civic sites, green space, a bowls club and a public car park.

“Description of Site and Surroundings 2. The Two Riversmeet Leisure facility site is bordered to the north by Stony Lane South. To the northeast, is the former gas works site and commercial units, to the northwest are the vacant Christchurch Civic Offices and to the south is the Riversmeet Green Space.”

“The site is adjacent to the Christchurch Town Centre Conservation Area and there are no listed buildings within the setting of the proposed extension. The land to the east is occupied by the local bowls club, and a public car park. The wider facility site lies within current flood zones 2 and 3 and future flood zone 3a (2133) as identified in the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, the application site is within Flood Zone 1.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Council consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, while the town council supported the proposal and recognised its leisure and wellbeing benefits.

“For the purposes of this application, in accordance with section 17 Crime and Disorder Act 1998, due regard has been had to, including the need to do all that can reasonably be done to prevent, (a) crime and disorder in its area (including anti-social and other behaviour adversely affecting the local environment); (b) the misuse of drugs, alcohol and other substances in its area; and (c) re- offending in its area. 11.”

“BCP Biodiversity – No Objection subject to conditions • BCP Trees – No objection subject to compliance conditions • Lead Local Flood Authority – No objection subject to compliance condition • Dorset Wildlife Trust – No response • Environment Agency - No comment – due to location in Flood Zone 1 • Christchurch Town Council – No objection - Members noted that the proposal is located at the rear / south west corner of the existing building and considered that it would not…”

Officer report

Who spoke

There were no registered speakers for the item.

The committee debate

Councillor Flagg moved to grant the application, Councillor Gillett seconded the motion, and the committee then proceeded to a vote.

“Councillor Flagg moved to grant the application as set out in the officer’s report and as updated by the addendum.”

“Following debate, the Committee moved to the vote and it was:”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted permission in line with the officer recommendation and addendum, noting building controls would secure safe fire evacuation for all abilities.

“RESOLVED: to GRANT permission in accordance with the recommendation set out in the officer’s report, as updated by the Committee Addendum published on 19 August 2026.”

“Notes: In granting the application, Committee Members noted the officers’ confirmation that, in respect of ramp access for wheelchair users, building controls would ensure that people of all abilities would be able to safely exit the building in the event of a fire.”

Minutes