Martial arts training units at 2A Queens Road, Southport

What was proposed

The application sought three Class E(d) martial arts training units, elevation alterations and a ventilation grille, partly retrospectively.

“Date of Meeting: 11th March 2026 Subject: DC/2025/00642 2A Queens Road Southport PR9 9HN Proposal: Change of use of the ground floor from a car showroom (Sui Generis) to 3 no. Class E(d) units, alterations to the North East elevation and the installation of a ventilation grille to the north west elevation (part-retrospective)”

“The proposal seeks planning permission for the change of use of the ground floor from a car showroom (Sui Generis) to 3 no. Class E(d) units for use as martial arts training, alterations to the North East elevation and the installation of a ventilation grille to the north west elevation (part- retrospective).”

Officer report

The site

The site is an existing commercial premises on Queens Road, in an area with several homes and limited commercial premises.

“The application site is an existing commercial premises on the south east side of Queens Road, Southport. The area consists of several residential properties and limited commercial premises.”

Officer report

The officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal complied with local policies, subject to conditions controlling noise, hours, parking and cycle storage.

“The proposed hours of operation of the premises would ensure that there are no late night or early morning activities associated with the use which could result in harm to the living conditions of the neighbouring residential properties. Conditions can be used to secure these operating hours.”

“It is therefore considered that the proposal complies with local policies and is therefore recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Environmental Health, Highways, Fire and Rescue and Local Plans raised no objection subject to requirements, while Conservation had no comments.

“Environmental Health Manager Following the receipt of sound insulation details no objection subject to conditions…”

“Highways Manager No objection subject to conditions. Matters relating to parking on double yellow lines and other breaches of traffic regulations have been reported to the relevant highways teams.”

Officer report

What residents said

Residents objected to the gym’s location, noise, ventilation, parking, traffic, highway safety, prior operation and the future flexibility of Class E(d).

“Highway Safety - How will parking be controlled when you consider the limited space and residential homes in the immediate vicinity - How will the Council enforce the largely ignored no entry for vehicles to Queens Road from Manchester Road/ Hoghton Street - Will there be additional enforcement of the double yellow lines on Bradley Street - Bradley Street is a very narrow residential cul-de-sac with no passing places or turning points - Insufficient parking for use…”

“Highway Safety - Higher traffic threatens safety and undermines cycle route initiatives - Premises has opened without permission, has lead to parking on double yellow lines, on pavements, traffic obstruction and increased noise…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Sammon, as ward councillor, made representations for objectors against the development.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the recommendation and granted permission subject to the stated conditions and reasons.

“That the recommendation be approved and the application be granted subject to the conditions and for the reasons stated or referred to in the report and in Late Representations.”

Minutes

Conditions on the permission

The conditions require noise control, opening hours of 08:15 to 20:00, closed windows, and provision of car and cycle parking.

“2) The hereby approved ventilation equipment shall not be operational until a written scheme of noise control has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved scheme shall thereafter be operated and maintained in accordance with the approved details for as long as the use continues.”

“4) During operational hours of the premises, windows shall remain closed at all times, while doors should be used for access and egress only.”

Officer report