CONTROVERSIAL plans for a 24-hour gym in Christchurch town centre have been given the green light.

The application by international chain Anytime Fitness for a vacant unit in Saxon Square was approved by Christchurch Borough Council's planning officers under delegation.

Several residents had voiced their concerns about the proposal and the need for a 24-hour facility in the town.

However, after submitting a revised scheme which maintained two ground floor retails units alongside the gym space on the ground and first floor, planners gave the scheme the go ahead.

While two resident responses were in support of the scheme saying the gym would provide an asset to the community, these were outnumbered by objections who said another fitness club in the town centre was not needed.

One objection said: "I am very concerned about the change to a 24-hour use. This is not in keeping with local policy, or the requirement and need for Christchurch town centre. This poses a significant risk."

Christchurch and East Dorset Council's economic development team supported the proposal.

Their response to the plans said: "The two new retail units in the revised application together with the increased footfall from the proposed Gym will help to maintain and improve the use of the Saxon Square area for shopping and recreational uses."

The approved gym will provide employment for eight members of staff, including a full time manager, with staff on site between 9am and 9pm on weekdays and between 10am and 5pm on weekends.

Earlier this year, Anytime Fitness UK general manager, Brett Edwards, said the company, which has 130 clubs in the United Kingdom, has a target of 550 clubs by the early 2020s.

The business launched its first franchise in the United States in 2002 and has more than 3,800 clubs worldwide.

The first UK club opened in October 2010, while there is an Anytime Fitness gym in Poole.