Plans submitted to make bank a gym

PLANS have been submitted to change the use of a town’s high street bank into a gym and wellbeing centre.

The Post & Times revealed two weeks ago that the Natwest Bank in Cheadle, which had been closed for more than two years, had been bought by Peter Wilkinson, who runs The Raddle public house and restaurant in Hollington.

Now Mr Wilkinson has submitted a planning application to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council for the change of use of the premises.

A planning, design and access statement prepared by Malcolm Sales on behalf of the applicant said: “The gym will provide equipment for weightlifting, walking, jogging and running, cycling, rowing, pull ups and cable fly’s. The gym and wellness centre will provide for classes for activities which include yoga, pilates and meditation.

“In addition, the gym and wellness centre may provide ancillary physiotherapy services from an on-site professional.

“The proposed activities are impact-free and will not generate any noise levels. Moreover, the proposed activities will not involve any impacts on the building structure from gym weights.

“The internal layout of the premises will be structurally changed and will be done to comply with all current building regulations and fire safety. The external appearance of the premises will remain unaltered.

“The opening hours for the new premises would be 6am to 9pm on Monday to Friday; and 8am to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

“The existing premises was in operation as a bank up until 2017. The principle of a leisure use is therefore considered acceptable and is consistent with the policies of the Moorlands Local Plan.

“The centre will provide new employment in the form of full time and part time positions, while the leisure use would provide a valuable social outlet.

“The proposed gym and wellness centre will cater for those living and working in this part of Cheadle. The gym and wellness centre will also have a positive role in contributing to and complementing the existing range of town centre uses.”

A decision on the planning application is expected to be made by planners within six weeks.