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A gym will be allowed to remain in a warehouse it moved into nine months ago without permission. Cwmbran's Sugar Rogue gym, which is run by the not-for-profit Thornhill Community Leisure, had been operating at Springvale industrial estate without planning consent. It had moved to the estate after Torfaen council’s planning department demanded it stop using its previous unit — which was in nearby Woodside Park — over an unauthorised change of use. The operator then submitted a retrospective planning application for the Springvale site, seeking to change its use from “storage and distribution” to leisure. Planners considered whether the application was in line with policies aimed at ensuring industrial units remain available and employment opportunities are supported. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter . The planning department ruled that while the application failed to meet all of the criteria of its policy on converting industrial units, it could still grant approval for the continued use as a gym. Planning officer Justin Jones said in a report: “Sufficient evidence has been provided which demonstrates the proposal would not undermine the council’s objective of maintaining a choice and variety of industrial land.” His report highlighted evidence from the estate agents that previously marketed the unit stating it does not meet current commercial demand and is aging. The gym occupies 10% of the 85,517 sq ft unit meaning other parts could still be let to different occupiers. The report from estate agents Knight Frank stated most demand across south Wales is either for units under 3,000 square foot or of more than 10,000, and that there is “strong demand” for alternative uses of industrial units as gyms and nurseries. The planning department had previously launched enforcement proceedings against Sugar Rogue over its use of the previous unit at nearby Woodside Park, which was authorised for industrial rather than leisure use. A spokeswoman for Sugar Rogue gym – which offers Cross Fit and Hyrox workouts – said it was pleased to secure planning approval. “Throughout the process our members, coaches and local supporters stood firmly with us, and their commitment has been a powerful reminder of what Sugar Rogue represents – a resilient community built around health, strength and belonging," she said. “With approval now secured, we are focused entirely on growth. "We will be expanding our programmes, investing back into the facility and continuing our mission to provide a high performance training space that welcomes all levels, from complete beginners to competitive athletes.” If the building is no longer required as a gym it can revert back to being classed as for storage and industrial use without the need for planning permission.
