PLANS to create a 24-hour gym in Barrow have been recommended for approval.

Proposals, submitted by Mr J Walker of Transformation Unit, reveal he wants to combine unit 12 and unit 14 of Forge Close and change their use from general industry to a 24 hour gym and performance centre.

Cycle parking racks are proposed to the front of the unit.

According to an officers' report prepared ahead of a Barrow council planning meeting, ten sites were identified and discounted within the area due to not meeting the criteria of the business needs.

They stated the business needed a site available for occupation immediately and with a floor area between 500-600 square metres.

They also said: "Large open layout of space was also essential along with sufficient internal ceiling height to accommodate jumping and lifting weights in the air."

It is proposed the site will be accessible for 24 hours a day with a secure bar code system which will be operated outside of general staff hours.

It is thought that the opening hours will have minimum impact on the surrounding area due to the immediate neighbouring sites being industrial units with no residential properties nearby.

In the officers conclusion they write: "This proposal creates three full time and four part time positions along with opportunities for two-three self-employed instructors whilst bringing back into use two vacant units in a sustainable location."

A number of neighbours were consulted, but no responses were received.

The officer has recommended that the plans be granted subject to the Standard Duration Limit and the following conditions; the development must begin no later than three years after permission is granted, the development is carried out in respect to the application, the use should not commence until the cycle parking facilities have been provided - and they should be retained and available for use throughout the lifetime of the development.

Another condition is that the unit will revert back to general industry if the new use by Transformation Unit or an agreed alternative gym provider comes to an end.

A decision will be made on the plans at a planning committee meeting at the town hall on October 5 at 2.30pm.