Three apartments at 136 St Werburgh's Road, Manchester

What was proposed

The applications sought three apartments in place of a gym, with listed-building alterations including removal of an existing fire exit.

“Proposal Change of use of a gym (Class E) to create 3 no. residential apartments, and;”

“Listed Building Consent for internal works associated with the change of use from a gym (Class E) to create 3 no. residential apartments together with external elevational change to remove an existing fire exit…”

Officer report

The site and building

The site is a Grade II listed former farmhouse in a mainly residential area near local shops, parks and other green spaces.

“The application relates to a Grade II listed farmhouse dating to the late 18 th century. The application property consists of a two-storey detached building, constructed in redbrick Flemish bond with a grey composition tile dual pitch roof and gable chimneys. It is rectangular and double-depth in plan, sitting at a right angle to St Werburgh’s Road.”

“Situated in the Chorlton Park ward of Manchester, the application site is located in a predominantly residential setting, bounded by St Werburgh’s Road to the east, and residential properties to the north, south, and west as well as on the opposing side of the highway. The area benefits from its proximity to Chorlton District Centre as well as nearby public outdoor amenity and green spaces, such as Chorlton Park.”

Officer report

Earlier use and planning

Permission was granted in 2017 to convert offices into a gym, subject to personal and appointment-only conditions, while other businesses also operate there.

“Planning permission was granted for a change of use from office (Class B1) to gym (Class D2) in April 2017 and it is understood that the property continues to operate as a gym under Class E. In addition to the gym itself, there also appears to be several other small businesses operating out of the building, all of which fall under Class E, including therapy and counselling, hair and beauty, physiotherapy, singing, yoga and pilates.”

“114188/FU/2016 - Change of use of existing office (Class B1) to Gym (Class D2) – Approved (07.04.2017). This approval included conditions which made the use personal to the applicant and included allowing the gym to operate on an appointment basis only.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No objectors or applicant representative attended, while a ward councillor read a gym director’s letter and councillors addressed the committee.

What members debated

Members discussed the gym’s community value, the lease ending, planning control over other uses and help finding an alternative venue.

“The Planning Officer acknowledged the level of feelings articulated in response to this application. He said that they have had to assess the impact of the conversion of a listed building and its long term use as a heritage asset. He said that there was no policy that would require a gym, or any other business to be retained at the location.”

“Councillor Richards said that she was unable to find a reason not to support the officer recommendations, however in doing so she asked that the local Neighbourhood Team worked with the current gym owner to help identify and secure an alternative venue in the local community.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to approve both applications was moved, seconded and supported by the committee.

“Councillor Andrews moved the Officer’s recommendation to approve applications 142671/FO/2025 & 143002/LO/2025.”

“The Committee resolved to approve both the applications.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

Approval included conditions covering approved plans, heritage materials, waste, electric-vehicle charging, cycle and car parking, landscaping, boundaries and chimney breasts.

“6) Prior to the first occupation of the development hereby approved, details of electric vehicle charging points shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the City Council as Local Planning Authority.”

“13) Notwithstanding the details included within the documents listed under condition no.2 of this approval, prior to commencement of development, further details shall be submitted that fully explore the opportunity to expose, retain, and reinstate the internal chimney breasts of the building. Such details shall be submitted to and agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority, including materials, final finishes and methodology for reinstatement/retention.”

Officer report