RESIDENTS have shared their reactions to the council's decision to refuse planning permission for a gym that opened earlier this year.

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.

The gym has been operating since February 24, 2024.

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.

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.

Reacting to the news on Facebook, Lyndsey Kemp said: "What a shame. Not harming anything them being there."

George Parish said: "Planning laws are a disgrace."

Laura Merrick said: "Let’s watch it sit empty like the rest of the industrial estates then."

Labour Kidderminster Town Councillor John Beckingham said planning laws "need to urgently change."

He said: "This is a prime example of why this Labour government needs to amend the planning laws so urgently in Britain.

"There's a business that wants to open next door to this gym that is likely to get the same response.

"It isn't the district council's fault, they are interpreting and enforcing the law - which is their job".

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".

Residents had previously raised objections to the gym plan on Wyre Forest District Council’s planning website.

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".