South Shields fitness centre to expand, offering new facilities - and creating two new jobs

South Tyneside Council planners recently approved a planning application for the Black Sheep Fitness Academy.

The business occupies a unit at Tynepoint Industrial Estate, near the Barbour factory, and offers a range of services from metafit and combat fitness training to Crossfit.

Due to an increase in gym members, the firm lodged a bid to create extra space.

This included a two-storey extension to the south of the existing gym and the provision of six marked car parking spaces in the forecourt.

Following consultation, South Tyneside Council approved the plans on December 11.

A decision report said the development was acceptable and would have no major impacts on nearby businesses.

It reads: “There are a number of commercial and industrial premises adjacent to the site, however it is considered that due to the scale, height and location of the extension, there would be adequate separation from existing buildings and there would be no [resulting] issues of loss of amenity to the occupiers and users of these premises.

“As such, it is considered that the extension to the current business would create no significant impacts on the existing businesses located on Tynepoint Industrial Estate.”

The report added that only two staff members would be at the premises at any one time, ensuring car parking spaces would be available for gym members.

It went on to say: “It is acknowledged that due to the nature and operations of neighbouring uses, which run primarily during daytime hours, that the peak hours of use at the gym are largely outside the hours of operation to neighbouring commercial and industrial premises.

“As such there is increased availability of on-street car parking spaces in the immediate locality, which could accommodate any overspill from the application site if required.”

The Black Sheep Fitness Academy’s website states the business is “passionate” about helping people to “reach their full fitness potential.”

Under planning conditions, the extension works to its base must be brought forward within the next three years.

The development is also expected to create an extra two jobs.

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