PLANNING permission has been granted for a 24-hour gym.

The proposals for the Barrow gym were recommended for approval and rubber-stamped by council planners.

The proposal, submitted by Mr J Walker of Transformation Unit, revealed he wanted to combine unit 12 and unit 14 of Forge Close and change the use from general industry to a 24-hour gym and performance centre.

Cycle parking racks were also proposed to the front of the unit.

A decision was made to approve the plans on October 6.

According to an officers' report prepared ahead of the 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."

The gym will be accessible for 24 hours a day with a secure barcode system which will be operated outside of general staff hours.

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

The gym will create three full-time and four part-time positions along with opportunities for two or three self employed instructors.

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