Gym and co-working facility at Torridge District Council Town Hall, Bideford

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a library into a sport and fitness facility, with co-working spaces, building alterations, solar panels and three heat pumps.

“Proposed Development The application seeks full planning permission for the following development:- • Change of use of the Library to a Gym and Fitness facility, including changing rooms and showers. • Internal alterations to the ground floor offices, reception and members lounge to create a series of Co-Working spaces, break-out spaces and managers office. • Replacement single-storey extension to the rear of the former Library building.”

Officer report

The site and building

The site is a Grade II heritage asset in a conservation area, with town-centre uses, neighbouring heritage assets and high flood risk.

“The site is neighboured by a number of designated heritage assets, including: • Bridge Buildings (list entry: 1206687), located immediately to the north of the site and is a Grade II heritage asset; • Bideford Bridge, including Parapet Walls and gates of east abutment (list entry: 1200873), located immediately to the east of the site and is a Grade I1 heritage asset; • Tantons Hotel (list entry: 1292476), located immediately to the south of the site and is a Grade II…”

“Royal Mail Public House (list entry: 1280117), located immediately to the west of the site and is a Grade II heritage asset; • No 1 Church Walk, including attached Gate pier (list entry: 1200890), located immediately to the west of the site and is a Grade II heritage asset; • No 2, 3, and 4 Church Walk (list entry: 1208674), located immediately to the west of the site and is a Grade II heritage asset; and • No 5 Church Walk (list entry: 1200891), located immediately to the…”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered alterations and access works, while permission for the library’s change to a sport and fitness facility remained extant.

“1/0568/2025/LBC Change of use of library (Use Class F1) to create a multi- functional sport and fitness facility (Use Class E) and associated alterations, including the installation of 3no. air source heat pumps and roof mounted solar panels. PCO”

“Relevant Planning History Planning Permission (reference: 1/0394/2024/LA) was approved on part of the site for the change of use of the Library (Use Class F1) to create a multifunctional sport and fitness facility (Use Class E), decided on the 12 th July 2024.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal acceptable because regeneration, community, economic, accessibility and heritage-repair benefits outweighed minor, less-than-substantial heritage harm.

“The Conservation Officer acknowledges that the visual distraction caused by the solar P.V. is considered to be limited and only experienced in a few locations and can be accommodated within wider views along the Quay and concludes that the harm is less than substantial. Consequently, the benefits of the scheme need to be weighed against the minor harm. The benefits associated with the proposed development are set out below:”

“The Economic Regeneration Officer has confirmed that the proposed development would “generate significant footfall within the area of the town, providing a route for the revitalisation of Allhalland Street and The Quay as well whilst also delivering on the 're-use of buildings' aspect of the Bideford Regeneration Strategy.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways raised no objection, environmental protection found no significant noise impact, and conservation officers accepted the proposal subject to details and conditions.

“The proposal is considered to be acceptable subject to the receipt of these additional details and would be considered to accord with the guidance in paragraph 215 of the NPPF where the harm to the significance is considered to be less than substantial and this would leave the officer to evaluate the public benefit of the scheme.”

“It is noted that the approved multi-functional sport and fitness facility will be served by three air source heat pumps, located externally, which have the potential to adversely impact neighbouring amenity. The applicant has provided a detailed BS4142 noise impact assessment which the Environmental Protection Team considers to be appropriate. The assessment outlines a slight exceedance of source noise over background levels at neighbouring Tanton's Court.”

Officer report

What residents said

Five representations included four objections and one neutral response, raising concerns about heat-pump noise and vibration, solar panels, views and need for a gym.

“Number of neighbours consulted: Number of letters of support: Number of representations received: Number of neutral representations: Number of objection letters: 4”

“The public representations received are summarised below: Objection Comment - Impact on residential amenity, as a result of the noise and vibration impacts from the proposed Air Source Heat Pumps (x 4). - Impact on the character of the Heritage Asset, as a result of the proposed Photovoltaic Solar Panels (x 2). - Loss of a view, as a result of the proposed Photovoltaic Solar Panels (x 2). - Lack of need for a gym facility.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Speakers included two local residents against, a council officer for, and a ward member.

What members debated

Members debated solar alternatives, heritage, heat-pump noise, electric boilers, integrated panels and whether noise-condition safeguards should be strengthened.

“Members went on to support the recommendation of Councillor Bushby, noting their disappointment the application had not changed. There was discussion on integrated solar panels and concerns were raised regarding heat pumps noise, the noise assessment report was referenced. It was asked why electric boilers were not considered. The impact of installing heat pumps was also noted.”

“Members in support of the application asked if an amendment for integrated solar panels would be possible, noting the current proposal was for surface-mounted. The Conservation Officer advised she had recommended approval for surface- mounted panels, noting integrated panels would be more harmful to the building fabric and more costly long-term.”

Minutes