Approval granted for new gym at former retail unit in Monksland

Roscommon County Council has granted planning permission for the opening of a new gym at a former retail unit in Monksland.

The local authority granted approval for the development at Unit 8, Monksland Retail Park, Athlone, on July 16 following a planning proposal submitted by Metas Grandis Ltd, trading as Goals Gym.

The applicant's planning bid stated that Goals Gym was established in 2020 and "has built a strong reputation as one of the leading independent fitness brands in the west of Ireland," where it currently operates facilities in Galway and Castlebar.

It stated that Goals Gym "focuses on creating a high-quality training experience through extensive gym equipment, fitness classes, personal training, recovery facilities and a strong community atmosphere."

The planning application, which was lodged in March, sought permission for a change of use of the existing retail unit to leisure use, along with all associated signage and site works and services.

The council requested further information on the plans in May, which was received the following month, ahead of the recent decision to approve the change of use.

The further information that had been sought by the planning authority related to the specific nature of the proposed leisure facility, its opening hours, details of proposed staff and customer numbers, and the traffic which the proposed development was expected generate.

In response to the further information request, the applicants said the proposal was to open a gym which was expected to employ up to eight staff members "across management, fitness instruction, administration and operational roles".

The application added, however, that "staffing levels within the building at any one time will remain low due to the operational nature of the business".

Regarding parking provision for the gym, the applicant said there were 100 existing parking spaces serving the development block and surrounding units in the Monksland Retail Park, of which only 30 are occupied during peak daytime periods, leaving "substantial reserve capacity" available.

"We will occupy nearly one third of the block but will only occupy 20 spaces roughly at peak times. In Goals Gym Castlebar we have nearly 1,000 members and only have 16 spaces and it works well," the applicant said.

Roscommon County Council decided that the proposed development was "acceptable at this location in terms of car parking arrangements and traffic".

The planning authority noted there had been no objections to the proposed development, and that the establishment of the business "will facilitate the reuse of a vacant property on zoned lands".

It granted planning approval for the gym, subject to five conditions.