Fitness studio at 44 Milford Road, Pennington

The site

The unit is in a mixed-use commercial area surrounded by homes and served by established accesses from Milford Road and South Street.

“Planning Committee08 April 2026 Application Number:25/10726Full Planning Permission Site: MILFORD ROAD, PENNINGTON, LYMINGTON SO41 8DU Development:Change of use of car showroom to fitness studio.”

“This shared use road connects to Milford Road. The access also serves other units such as a car wash, florist and fireplace shop. It should also be noted that there is a second access fronting Milford Road. There is also an additional access located to the east of the site, via South Street, which is similar in width and use to the other existing access.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended permission because the reuse supported economic activity and community wellbeing, with parking and noise impacts controlled by conditions.

“These conditions include the requirement for a formal Noise Management Plan, keeping all doors and windows closed during classes, restricting early-morning use of the gravel parking area, and applying clear limits on music and other internal activities. Officers consider that, with these measures in place, the development can operate without giving rise to significant or harmful levels of noise affecting nearby occupiers.”

“The scheme now achieves full compliance with the Parking Standards SPD and is supported by swept-path analysis. The early-morning parking protocol prevents use of the gravel area before 08:00 while maintaining on-site capacity, and Hampshire County Council Highways raises no objection.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Town Council recommended refusal over noise, while highways raised no objection and Environmental Health supported permission subject to conditions.

“Supplementary Planning Guidance And Documents SPD Parking Standards National Planning Policy Framework (December 2024) National Planning Policy Guidance 6PARISH / TOWN COUNCIL COMMENTS Lymington & Pennington Town Council Lymington & Pennington Town Council (11 February 2026) Decision: PAR 2 – Recommend Refusal.”

“Following additional information submitted after the initial consultation, it was confirmed that the development no longer presents a shortfall in parking provision when assessed against the New Forest District Council Parking Standards for a 130 m² open hall space. As such, the Highway Authority advised that there is a low risk of overspill parking on the public highway and therefore no highway or parking grounds for objection.”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Two neighbours objected to noise and early vehicle movements, while seven supporters cited health, community and economic benefits.

“Environmental Health concluded that the development may be acceptable provided robust controls are secured and adhered to. The following conditions were recommended: 1.Doors and windows closed during exercise sessions. 2.No audible noise beyond the site boundary from classes. 3.Submission and implementation of a Noise Management Plan within 4 weeks of any permission. 4.Restricted operating hours (Mon–Fri 06:00–20:00; Sat 07:30–11:00; Sun 08:00–11:00).”

“The operator has made efforts to implement noise and parking mitigation, including additional parking arrangements, signage, rubber matting, and restricting early use of the gravel driveway. ·Supporters state that only one neighbouring property has raised concerns, and that other nearby residents and businesses have not objected. ·Several supporters recommend a site visit during operational hours to observe actual noise levels and management practices.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The fitness studio operator spoke on behalf of the applicant.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted delegated authority to approve the application, subject to a parking agreement and the stated conditions.

“Delegated Authority be given to the Service Manager, Development Management to GRANT PERMISSION subject to:”

“II. the imposition of the Conditions as set out in the report and any additional / amended conditions or variation to the heads of terms or conditions as deemed necessary by the Service Manager (Development Management).”

Minutes