A CONTROVERSIAL gym proposal in Christchurch could be expanded.

The application to change the use for the first floor of two units in Saxon Square, which is occupied by New Look, has been submitted to Christchurch Borough Council.

Plans to extend the size of the 24-hour gym facility that has been earmarked for the town centre, follow the approval of an initial scheme in December.

Permission was given to operate a fitness club on the first floor and part of the ground floor in 27 Saxon Square.

The latest application seeks to include the first floor of the neighbouring units at 25 and 26 Saxon Square in the new health and fitness offering.

Both units will maintain a retail offering on the ground floor.

A planning statement says: “The existing first floor operates as an underused ancillary store to the A1 use at ground floor. The proposal will also not result in the loss of any retail floorspace but rather the loss of storage space which is not required by the retail unit.

“Extending the recently approved D2 use at Unit 27 allows the occupant to provide a quality space for the operation of a 24-hour gym, which will encourage its use and in turn drive footfall within the area which will support the vitality of the town centre and square.”

The plans for the gym that were approved last year were met by strong opposition from many residents and businesses, including the occupiers of 25 Saxon Square, with issues over noise pollution.

Objectors also claimed another fitness club was not needed in the town centre, especially with a 24-hour use.

One resident said the gym would set a precedent for other 24-hour licences in a conservation area.

“Once this precedent is established and granted the local authority will be undermined in controlling late-night opening and licensing in the town centre and conservation area,” they said.