RESIDENTS have expressed anger after a gym opened earlier this year at the former Brintons carpet factory site without planning permission.

Foundry Gym, which has branches across the West Midlands, has now submitted a full retrospective planning application seeking to change the use of the site, at Unit 1 Brintons No 6 Factory on Stourport Road, from industrial to gym use.

Gym chain founder Joe Bland has said that their agents are working with Wyre Forest District Council's planning department "to ensure all necessary steps are taken to rectify the oversight".

However, people have raised objections to the plans on the local authority's planning website, with some highlighting conflicts with planning policies, parking and highway concerns, and the impact on other gyms close by.

One objector said: "As a local business owner I and many of my friends who are local business owners have set up and run our business in line with local policy and regulations.

"This is not always convenient however we do it out of respect for the council and our greater community.

"I know of two local businesses that applied for planning consent on that site for leisure projects and were denied.

"They respected the decision and found alternative premises for their respective businesses.

"So why should a company that is not local be allowed to ignore the rules and do whatever they like".

Another objector  said: "Why is this application being done retrospectively? The Foundry is a well-established gym chain having opened many sites in its history.

"I cannot believe this is an oversight from such an experienced operator".

Another added: "It has had a massive impact on the local independent gyms and specialised martial arts clubs.

"There is one gym opposite, one further up the Stourport Road and numerous others in the area, including the local leisure centre on the nearby estate.

"This has had a massive impact on footfall to these companies".

Mr Bland from Foundry Gym said: "For the past five months, Foundry Gym has been operating successfully, offering a range of fitness services to the community.

"During this time, we have also taken pride in sponsoring the Kidderminster Harriers Football Club, contributing to local sports and community engagement.

"Our unit has even been used for filming by the worldwide fitness brand Gymshark".

He added: "We are committed to complying with all regulatory requirements and are confident that our ongoing communication with the council will lead to a satisfactory resolution".

Foundry Gym in Kidderminster has been operating since February 24, 2024, and currently has 1,350 members.

There are five staff members employed at the gym, all on part-time contracts. The gym offers weightlifting, mixed martial arts, boxing, functional training and strongman facilities.

As part of a cover letter sent by agents Savills to Wyre Forest District Council, planners said: "The development proposals have been assessed against local and national planning  policy and it is considered that the siting, scale and design of the gym building are considered to be acceptable within this established Business Park and the wider South Kidderminster Enterprise Zone".