Polegate Fitness Studio Secures Longer Hours

A Polegate fitness studio has secured planning permission to extend its opening hours.

On Thursday (June 12), Wealden District Council’s Minors Planning Committee approved an application submitted by Revive, a ‘health and fitness hub’ based within the Bluebell Business Park in Bluebell Way.

The application had sought permission to extend the business’ hours of operation and to begin holding some fitness classes outside.

While recommended for approval, the proposal had seen six objections raised by people living near to the gym.

They raised concerns around noise and disturbance, as well as potential parking pressures resulting from increased activity.

Some of these concerns were highlighted by ward councillor Chris Primett. In a statement read on his behalf during the meeting, Cllr Primett said:

“The amenity required for local residents has not changed and local residents opposite the unit in Bluebell Way do not see a need to change these hours.

“It should be noted that the houses directly opposite the application have very small front gardens and are close to the road with the units directly opposite.

“Owners purchased their houses understanding the current planning permission and their right to quiet amenity should be preserved. An extension to these hours … will reduce this, with cars coming and going at all times.

“Residents are concerned that if one unit is allowed to vary the hours of operation then this will lead to others requesting similar amendments.”

The council also received 99 comments in support of the proposals. In a report to the committee, council planning officers said these supporters had been made up of members and non-members of Revive, as well as residents who live near to and away from the site.

Prior to the application, Revive’s operating hours had been restricted through conditions attached to the business park.

These conditions meant the business could only operate between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday and between 8am and 1pm on Saturdays.

The extended hours will allow it to operate between 6am and 8pm Monday to Friday and between 8am and 5pm on Saturdays. It will remain closed on Sundays and bank holidays.

But the approval also came with conditions, which carry a more restrictive set of hours for some activities.

These conditions require that “no machinery/equipment/amplified music shall be operated outside of the following times: Monday to Friday 06:00-19:00, Sat 08:00-13:00."

The committee felt these conditions would prevent the business from causing any significant disturbance.

Proposing approval, Cllr Alison Wilson, the committee’s chairman, said:

“My feeling is this is probably appropriately conditioned to ensure that the neighbour amenity isn’t subject to additional harm.

“The opening hours are as they are at the moment. These will extend them a bit, but on the other hand the chances are … that at 6 o’clock in the morning you are not going to have a class of six people turning up. It is more likely to be a smaller operation.”

For further information see application reference WD/2024/2298/F on the Wealden District Council website.