Sport and fitness facility at Torridge District Council Town Hall, Bideford

What was proposed

The application proposed changing the library into a sport and fitness facility, with co-working spaces and associated building works.

“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 within Bideford’s town centre and conservation area, and the building is a Grade II heritage asset with several nearby listed buildings.

“Site Description The application site is located within the development boundary of Bideford, which is designated as a 'Strategic Centre' within the adopted North Devon and Torridge Local Plan (NDTLP). The site also falls within the following allocated land designations: Mineral Safeguard Zone; Town Centre and Primary Shopping Area; Bideford’s Conservation Area; and UNESCO Biosphere Transition Zone.”

“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…”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier permission for the library’s change of use remains extant, while two similar 2025 applications were withdrawn or refused.

“1/0567/2025/LA 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. WDN 19.12.2025”

“Condition One of the permission states “The development to which this permission relates must be begun no later than the expiration of three years beginning with the date on which this permission is granted.” As such the permission is considered to be extant.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Bideford Town Council opposed the application without reasons; highways and conservation officers raised no objections, and no neighbour representations were received.

“Bideford Town Council: RESOLVED: That the application is not approved.”

“The works as set out are the latest adaptations of the civic building to meet the contemporary needs of the community and as such there are no objections in principle to the works as shown. The works are contained within the current shell of the building and do not impact on the setting of nearby listed buildings nor the views within the conservation area for Bideford and East the Water.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planning Officer presented the report, and there were no public speakers.

Members’ debate

Members discussed the Town Council’s position, climate measures, heating, maintenance works and why the application included physical works.

“The Head of Planning explained that this application was brought to Members because, unlike previous applications that related only to change of use, this one also includes associated physical works.”

“Members asked whether the applicant needed planning permission for maintenance works such as repointing and replacement. The Principal Planner explained that these images were not included in previous applications because a chartered surveyor has since inspected the site. He added that the applicant submitted the images to give the Committee a fuller understanding of the works.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The application was approved subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“That the application is approved subject to the conditions detailed in the report.”

Minutes