Contentious plans for outdoor gym at All Saints Hotel in Fornham St Genevieve, near Bury St Edmunds, given go-ahead

Contentious plans for the operation of an outdoor gym at a hotel have been given the go-ahead.

Members of West Suffolk’s development control committee met earlier today to discuss plans submitted by David Harris, who owns the All Saints Hotel, in Fornham St Genevieve, near Bury St Edmunds, for the retention of the hotel’s outdoor gym.

The application was the second of its kind after it was refused by members in April last year, contrary to the officer’s recommendation, and later dismissed at appeal by the planning inspectorate in December.

Suggestions by the Inspectorate, surrounding concerns noise from the development would harm neighbours, were then taken on board by Mr Harris.

These included employing a ‘silent disco’ method, where music could be heard through headphones, and extending the proposed acoustic fence in both height and length.

But the plans still attracted some backlash, with nine objection letters submitted and one in support — last time around 18 objections and 11 letters in support were also submitted.

The issues raised included renewed concerns about noise despite the changes to the application, enforcement, and light pollution.

Cllr Beccy Hopfensperger, whose statement was read out during the meeting, reiterated these concerns.

She said: “The gym is in an elevated position and noise will still be an issue, the acoustic fencing will not prevent noise from transmitting, it may reduce it but the levels of noise will depend on many factors including wind direction, ambient noise, and type of noise produced.

“The level of lighting required will disturb both local residents and wildlife — we have had experiences of lighting in the winter months shining through into our kitchens and bedrooms.”

Stuart Turner, the managing partner of The Health Club, the leisure arm of All Saints Hotel, said this version of the application focused on protecting the amenity of residents.

He also pointed out no complaints were made since the changes had been implemented, with 300 classes taking place for over 4,000 users over that period, and stressed the gym’s health benefits.

Mr Turner added: “We are taking these concerns very seriously and, as a result, have this scheme which is proven to work in practice.

“We believe that our outdoor gym is a net positive for the community’s well-being — outdoor exercise offers numerous health, social, and psychological benefits and we are eager to provide a space that encourages a healthy active lifestyle.

“This facility would serve as a valuable asset to the local area, and contribute to the overall quality of life for neighbours.”

During the debate stage of the meeting, Cllr Andrew Speed was the first to speak and expressed his support.

He said: “I think the owners have shown considerable flexibility in adapting the previous application.

“The overwhelming benefits and the support we should be offering to an outfit like All Saints far exceeds somebody being concerned about light being on at seven o’clock in the evening.”

Cllr Sara Mildmay-White expressed similar support for the application but expressed disappointment an application was not submitted to begin with for permission.

She said: “I do believe that the applicant has addressed most of the concerns that the Inspectorate brought up, however, I do find it disappointing that a business such as the All Saints actually implemented this without planning permission.

“Seems to me that it shows a bit of disregard for the West Suffolk planning committee.”

Members voted unanimously to support the application.