A FITNESS studio has been given the go-ahead to move into Helensburgh’s Colquhoun Square after concerns over noise were allayed.

Argyll and Bute Council assessed the plans by the Mind, Body and Movement Studio against its ‘bad neighbour development’ criteria.

But a planning officer has been satisfied that there will not be too much noise coming from the planned facility, which has residential properties above.

The fitness studio is now set to move into the premises formerly occupied by Eyewear in the Square after the authority’s planners gave the green light.

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A handling report states: “Consultation was undertaken with the council’s environmental health team who required additional information from the applicant regarding the proposed noise levels created by the business.

“The applicant has confirmed that music will be played in the studio at each class as background to provide a relaxed atmosphere for callanetics, yoga and pilates type classes.

“The music will be played at a low domestic level so that clients can hear the teacher explaining and talking through the movements being performed during class.

“New flooring will be installed which will be a cushioned protective floor which will have noise absorbing features.

“The premises has a suspended ceiling separating the ceiling between the studio and neighbours above which will also aid with noise reduction.

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“Lastly, the two doors within the studio will remain closed through the duration of the classes.

“This information was considered acceptable by the council’s environmental health team.

“The proposal is therefore not considered to be a Bad Neighbour Development, subject to a restrictive condition that the studio shall only be open between the hours of 9am and 9pm seven days a week.”

The report also said: “No details are provided of the opening hours, [but] the application site is located on a busy street where there are pubs and restaurants which open late.”

“It is considered that this new facility will not greatly alter the amenity of the area, however opening hours will be controlled by safeguarding condition.”

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