Market Drayton fitness centre plan is turned down
A sports instructor will not be allowed to fill an empty unit at a business centre on a Market Drayton business park – because the fitness enterprise centre is deemed the wrong kind of business.
Plans had been put forward to turn one of the empty warehouses on Tern Valley Business Park in Market Drayton into a facility for dance and fitness classes.
But after a number of concerns were raised by other owners of other units, applicant Sabrina Taylor has been refused permission.
Shropshire Council's case officer Sue Collins said there had been significant investment in the park from unit owners who had spoken out against any unit being used for leisure services over fears it could "set a precedent".
She said: "Not only is there a concern at the loss of the unit for business and commercial use other issues have been raised by local businesses.
"Comments have been made by local businesses that to allow the site to be used by members of the public will increase the risk of vandalism and other issues due to a lack of security. While the site is to be gated and have a security office, this is not yet in place and therefore each company is currently very security conscious."
The site, which was given approval back in 2008, was made in two phases following backing from Advantage West Midlands in 2008.
It follows the success of the first phase, which is home to Muller Wiseman.
Ms Collins added that businesses have made "considerable investment to the site" on the basis of it being industrial uses only.
She said: "Existing business may relocate or not expand at the site if this consent is allowed. It will set an unacceptable precedent to allow further leisure development within the business park. With Market Drayton being a market town it is important to improve its business and employment facilities particularly in terms of environmental technologies; creative and cultural industries; and in particular food and drink production and processing."
"If planning permission were to be granted for the leisure use, it would reduce the number of units available to accommodate businesses which would otherwise be potentially unacceptable in other locations.
"The use of the building for leisure purposes would not meet the criteria set for the intended use of these buildings and would cause the loss of a unit to a potential commercial use which could not occupy other buildings."
Other issues raised included parking and transport to and from the site, which left to Ms Collins refusing planning permission using delegated powers.
