Planning application success for a yoga studio in Greenwich, London

Plainview Planning are delighted with a recent approval for a change of use application enabling the regeneration of an empty office (Class B1) to become a Yoga studio (Class D2), in the London Borough of Greenwich.

The scheme:

We had a previous success on this scheme three years ago, obtaining planning permissions for a change of use application.  However, construction on site had been delayed and the original permission was in danger of expiring before use could commence.  We were therefore asked to assist our client with a re-application for planning permission.

The challenges:

Since the change of use had previously been granted, the Council had adopted a new Core Strategy.  We also needed a timely decision to be made as our client was under strict time constraints.
As part of this new application, our planning consultants justified how the proposed scheme continued to be fully compliant with the new Core Strategy, London Plan and NPPF. The key benefits were:

1. The site location, close to local transport links and in an area with a mix of residential and commercial properties;
2. The potential for the scheme to create over 40 jobs for the local area; and
3. The fact that the external unit would remain the same thus ensuring the integrity of the Grade II listed buildings nearby.

In addition, the previous permission acted as a strong material consideration and we were able to present relevant case law which further strengthened this view.

The outcome:

We worked proactively with the Council to ensure a timely decision and we are delighted with the outcome for our client.

Planning for gyms, yoga studios, personal training and fitness centres:

Plainview Planning have added value to large number of change of use applications for gyms, fitness centres and yoga studios.
Whilst changes to the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) earlier this year saw a simplification in the change of use of A1 and A2 (shops and financial services) to D2 (leisure) through the prior approval process, these changes are subject to many conditions such as:

• The amount of floor space in question;
• The length of time a building has been an A1 or A2 classification;
• Where PD rights don’t apply, for example under certain site designations such as conservation areas, AONBs, within the curtilage of Listed Buildings etc.

Further to this, assessments covering transport and highways, hours of opening, noise impacts of the development and undesirable impacts on shopping facilities need to be submitted.
If you are interested in setting up a gym, fitness studio or yoga studio and feel your scheme would benefit from professional planning assistance, feel free to contact one of our approachable and knowledgeable planning consultants via enquiries@plainview.co.uk.
Image source: adifansnet