PLANS to convert a warehouse in Poole into a CrossFit gym have been approved.

The proposal, submitted by a Mr Rouse, to change the use of a unit at the Sovereign Business Park attracted dozens of letters of support.

And on Monday, BCP Council granted planning permission, welcoming the retention of jobs on the site and the “promotion of health and wellbeing”.

A statement submitted with the application said there had been a three-year search for a suitable base for the new gym.

Mr Rouse said there had been “exponential growth” in the Crossfit industry with demand rising across Poole and Bournemouth.

“Bayside Business Centre is looking to retain its attractiveness as a company incubator for the Poole area,” it said.

“Local healthy options for staff and occupants in the immediate area are weak and there is strong internal demand from the 40 or so occupiers for managed recreation/leisure.”

The statement added that the gym would employ between eight and 12 people.

Dozens of people wrote in support of the scheme, welcoming the “great benefits” of the proposal to provide more gym facilities in the area.

However, concerns were raised by neighbouring businesses about members of the public

Laser Crystal managing director Andrea Hatcher said: “Industrial areas are designated for good reason and should not combine members of the public, especially children.

“Our health and safety advisor is very concerned of the risks this creates.”

These fears were echoed by the managing directors of ABLE Lifting Equipment and The Digital Press.

BCP Council planning officer Claire Moir said that impact on safety could be “maintained” through conditions attached to the granting of planning permission.

She said: “Whilst the proposals are not for [industrial] use within an existing employment area, it is considered that they will generate employment and pass the sequential test by virtue of their unique physical requirement.

“As a consequence, the use will be restricted to the proposed gym use.”

Planning permission granted by the council requires all of the proposed parking and road access works to be completed before the gym comes into being.