The owner of a Longridge building where yoga sessions, exercise classes and a cycle repair business have opened without planning permission should not be given retrospective approval, councillors are being advised.

But 59 customers and supporters have written to Ribble Valley Council, praising the various new businesses there and asking for approval. They say the site has created opportunities for fitness, mental health benefits and sustainable living. Also it is within walking and cycling distance for many customers, they say.

Applicant Gary Walmsley, of Longridge, wants retrospective planning permission for external alterations and to change the use of Back Castle Works at Pendle Court, off Little Lane. He wants to change its use from storage to exercise, yoga and rehabilitation studios with a bicycle repair workshop and storage.

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But county council highways officers fear parking problems and traffic dangers at the nearby junction. One resident has objected and Ribble Valley Council planning officers believe the application should be rejected for reasons including a lack of parking space and traffic safety.

However, the plan has been called-in for consideration by councillors on Ribble Valley’s planning committee by Independent Coun Jim Rogerson.  Supporters have contacted him. There public interest and it is popular, he has pointed out.

In the application, Mr Walmsley says the building currently has two full-time and two-part time workers. Proposed opening hours for fitness activities are from 6.15am to 7.30pm on weekdays, 7am to 10am on Saturdays and 9am io 10am on Sundays.  Proposed hours for other commercial activities are 8am to 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays.

In advice last year, planning officers highlighted issues including car parking and potential noise disturbance to neighbours, They said more information was needed from Mr Walmsley.

Now, a supporting report for him has been provided by planning agent Tim Brown of TB Planning in Sudbury, Suffolk.  It states: “My client purchased Back Castle Works during the covid era. Then, it was a dilapidated vacant former plumber’s workshop and store  that included significant elements of asbestos. The unlit wider vicinity had become a focus for anti-social behaviour and a nuisance to neighbouring residents.

“My client fully renovated it, removing all asbestos. He now realises that the use for purposes other than storage required planning permission but at the time assumed that he had done everything necessary

“The work, which included security lighting of the yard between the works and residential property, was welcomed by neighbours in addressing anti-social behaviour and improving the site’s appearance. Indeed, I understand residents brought out drinks for the contractor

“Until a recent complaint from a resident, my client is unaware of any problems arising from the operation of the building. I understand the complainant has an interest in the forecourt to Back Castle Works and has since sought to get the applicant to pay for the use of this area for parking, largely by the proprietor of the bicycle repair shop, despite this area having been used for many years by former occupiers of the building.

“After that complaint, an enforcement officer contacted my client saying the authorised use of the building is for storage purposes. He will have to secure planning permission for the gym and yoga use, rehabilitation space and bicycle repair workshop.

“The tenants of these units have invested to create attractive spaces. My client is anxious to resolve any uncertainty over their continued occupation.”

Ribble Valley Council’s development committee meeting is on Thursday, March 13, in Clitheroe.

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