Plans to open a new fitness centre on a Huntingdonshire farm have been given the green light. 

A planning application submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council sought approval to convert an agricultural building to house the new gym at Hill Top Retreat, Gransden Road, St Neots. 

The plans propose laying temporary floor and installing gym equipment inside the building, which has "been empty for some time" and is divided by an internal brick wall. 

Ten to 15 parking spaces are also proposed on existing hardstanding ground. 

The fitness centre will host group classes and occupy around 60 per cent of the building's total area, a design and access statement said. 

It added: "This proposal will require no additional external lighting thus not impacting on the wider site, neighbours or surrounding countryside. Likewise, there will be no discernible increase in noise levels. 

"It will provide the opportunity to build a flourishing business and also make available a locally based leisure facility outside of the mainstream gym environment by providing an inclusive environment that will appeal to those who wish to be healthier but are intimidated by mainstream gyms.

"The offering will be group bootcamps complemented by one-to-one personal training sessions in a fully private space, something not currently available in the local area." 

According to report prepared by the district council's planning officers, the fitness centre will operate between 6.30am and 9pm Monday to Saturday and would not impact residential amenity. 

It added: "An acceptable standard of amenity would be provided for all users of the development and maintained for neighbours.

"The development is considered acceptable in terms of overshadowing, overlooking, overbearing impact, loss of privacy, loss of light and would not have a significant detrimental impact upon residential amenity."

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