CIRENCESTER councillor Joe Harris has voiced concerns over an application to turn an affordable gym into flats. 

The planning application to turn the Active4Less gym in Dyer Street into six apartments will be decided by Cotswold District Council.

Due to concerns raised by district councillor Joe Harris over the design of the proposed build and the loss of the space for a leisure facility, it was requested that the application would be decided by a planning committee, rather than by an officer.

Cllr Harris said: "When you remove a big space, a big leisure facility like that, we might not get it back.

"It seems like a real shame to be losing space like that. It may harm the amenity in the centre of Cirencester.

"The planned apartments look very small. I don't think they are of great design or that it would be very comfortable living in them. 

"The plans don’t enhance the appearance of a pretty ugly building as it is."

Cirencester Town Council's planning committee made no objections to the application on Thursday, January 12, though members, upon considering the application for a recommendation, raised concerns about the loss of the cross detail on the window which belonged to a former church. 

They also raised concerns about the size of apartments being 'unreasonably constrained'. 

Chair of the committee, Stuart Tarr, said: "We do not object but we are raising questions."

Pegasus Group, representing applicant Parcland Ltd, said: "Regarding the size/layout of the apartments, we have taken professional advice from local building surveyors and local residential agents, both Cirencester-based.

"We disagree completely that the apartments are constrained or uncomfortable. The apartments vary from 503 sq ft to 753 sq ft, and 4 out of the 6 apartments will have created exclusive areas of outdoor gardens.

"These gardens will add markedly to the apartments ambience and attraction, and is an unusual but welcome feature in town centre apartments.

"The two one bed apartments which do not have outdoor space are large, 630 sq ft and 650 sq ft of space, plus mezzanine storage, with a lounge diner of 30 ft long.

"This application is for a change of use only, and is in line with the Development Plan framework supporting residential development within the Town Centre."