Eco-friendly gym at key employment site approved
COUNCILLORS AND FIRMS BACK PLANS
PLANS to build an environmentally friendly gym at a Hessle business park have been approved by councillors.
East Riding Council’s Western Area Planning Committee unanimously approved the plans, at the Bridgehead Business Park, after hearing neighbouring companies were supportive of a gym for their staff.
John Gouldthorpe, of developers Wykeland, told councillors the 250sqm gym could also attract more businesses to the park, which is classed a key employment area.
The timber-clad building is set to partly run on solar power and feature windows designed to heat the inside during winter.
No objections were lodged, but committee member and Hessle councillor David Nolan stated the business park risked being “overrun” by smaller developments like the gym.
Cllr Nolan added in a statement read in his absence that plots at the park should instead be set aside for business office space.
Mr Gouldthorpe said the gym was positioned on the edge of existing woodland and designed not to intrude on other plots.
He said: “Bridgehead Business Park employs well over 1,000 people and is classed as a key employment site.
“We’ve had feedback from companies already there who say their employees would benefit from an on-site gym and physical and mental health is becoming more important in these times.
“The gym is designed to fit in with the surrounding area, it’s in a woodland setting and members will also be able to use a walking route through there.
“It will complement other facilities on the site, including a café and nursery, and could attract more businesses to the park.
“The main idea is to create a sustainable environment in the park as a whole so people want to come and work there.”
Committee member Cllr John Bovill, of Hessle ward, said he did not necessarily agree with Cllr Nolan’s objections and added it complemented the park.
Cllr Bovill said: “We discussed this at a Hessle Town Council meeting and heard favourable comments on this.
“It’ll be a nice opportunity for staff there to burn off a few calories that they otherwise wouldn’t have.”
Cllr Ros Jump said she thought the gym was a “great idea” with a modest design.
She said: “It could also cut traffic because staff at the park can walk from work to the gym, meaning they won’t have to stop off at another in their cars.
“It’s a good example of looking after staff, it should be commended.”
Cllr Caroline Fox said: “I love the design and the character of this and the idea that people could get there by walking or cycling.
“What could be health?”
Committee chair Cllr Nigel Wilkinson said: “To have a facility like this on site will only increase its attractiveness to businesses looking to move there.” better for people’s