A GYM built and opened earlier this year has been refused planning permission.

Foundry Gym's retrospective planning application to change the use of the former Brintons Carpet Factory site, on Stourport Road, from industrial to gym use, was turned down by Wyre Forest District Council.

People had raised objections to the plans with some highlighting conflicts with planning policies, parking and highway concerns, and the impact on other gyms close by.

Foundry Gym in Kidderminster has been operating since February 24, 2024.

Gym chain founder Joe Bland described the decision as "very upsetting" news.

He said: "We will be appealing this decision as we feel that everything within our power has been done to create a safe and motivating environment.

"The astronomical uptake in memberships since we have opened is clear evidence Kidderminster was desperate for a state of the art gym.

"Just over seven per cent of the 60,000 population of Kidderminster have signed up to be members at foundry gym since opening.

"This is a clear sign that it’s only a very small minority of individuals or local businesses that feel we are having a negative impact on the local area.

"The numbers don’t lie and you can only assume jealousy could be playing a small part in any negative comments".

Wyre Forest District Council said it refused the retrospective application for reasons relating to its location in the South Kidderminster Enterprise Park, as well as highway safety concerns.

As part of the refusal notice, the planning manager said: "As a scheme that proposes the re-use of a B2 unit to a gym (Use Class E(d)), the proposal is required to be supported by an appropriate financial appraisal and evidence of marketing the unit as a B2 use for a minimum period of 12 months and a sequential test and impact assessment to demonstrate that there would be no adverse impact on the vitality and viability of Kidderminster town centre.

"In the absence of this evidence it cannot be ascertained that the change of use is appropriate in the South Kidderminster Enterprise Park (SKEP), and is additionally contrary to the social, environmental and economic objectives of sustainable development contained within the NPPF".

The planning manager added: "It has not been demonstrated that the proposed development can meet the parking standards set out in the WCC Streetscape Design Guide and accurate and consistent information has not been provided.

"The resulting displacement parking onto the highway in an area with known parking issues represents a significant highway safety hazard, the implications of which are unacceptable."

Mr Bland had previously said that the gym, which has branches across the West Midlands, had been working with the council's planning department "to ensure all necessary steps are taken to rectify the oversight."

He's now added he looks forward to working with the council to "resolve any issues going forward" and said the company has "no doubt" the matter will be resolved.

He added: "We took the property on in a derelict and run down state.

"Since then we have brought it back to life, investing heavily to create what we have today.

"This can only be a positive thing for the local community and surrounding businesses".