PLANS have been submitted to open a 24-hour gym and office complex on an unused plot in a Ringwood industrial estate.

The application for the former Wellworthy site off Christchurch Road has been submitted to New Forest District Council's planning department.

A four-storey building is proposed, made up of an Anytime Fitness gym on the ground and first floor of the building, with office space for Wareham-based branding company Extreme Ltd above.

The site is directly opposite the location for the 84-bed Premier Inn hotel, which was approved by New Forest District Council last month.

A statement submitted by Lionel Gregory Architects on behalf of the applicant, says: "The site is the last vacant plot on the site and is next to a development of industrial units at Crow Arch Lane.

"The site at the southern end of Forest Gate, with future development planned farther south, which will be served by an extension to the existing service road, Wellworthy Way.

"The new development is likely to consist of new housing and employment buildings.

"The proposal will provide a useful amenity to the business park that can be used by all the community.

"The gym franchise sets a low monthly fee to make is affordable to most of the community. The building itself will be an attractive asset to the business park and should be supported."

The statement adds that the building will match the material style of the Lidl development and other schemes in Forest Gate Park, providing an "imposing entrance" to the business park.

Anytime Fitness has more than 3,800 clubs open worldwide, with 130 currently operating in the United Kingdom.

The gym firm saw an application to open a new centre in Saxon Square, Christchurch, approved by the Christchurch Borough Council last month.

Members of Ringwood Town Council's planning committee meet tomorrow to formalise their response to the scheme, with the final decision coming from New Forest District Council planners.