Councillors will this week make a decision on a planning application for a Warwick gym which could bring an end to a long-running saga on its future.

Warwick District Council's planning committee will tomorrow (April 14) make a decision on whether to allow Horizon House to be turned from a vehicle rental unit into a gym.

The Millers Road building was opened as a gym by Foundry Gym which later discovered it did not have the correct planning permission in place.

In an application to the local authority, the business claimed it had been "misadvised" and believed it had the right permission in place before opening.

Foundry wants to change Horizon House to 'Class E' which allows for a wide range of commercial and business uses.

The application due to be discussed by councillors this week is the second put forward, with the previous submission withdrawn from consideration to address the feedback from residents.

A report due to be considered by the committee has recommended planning permission be approved.

It said: "The proposed use promotes health and social benefits in a location that is accessible and can be accessed sustainably. 

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"The use also brings associated employment benefits of a greater magnitude than the established use for vehicle renting. 

"On this basis, the change of use is considered acceptable in principle."

Some 272 notices of support have been submitted to the application, with many locals saying it is an "important community asset".

Meanwhile, there have also been 15 objections raising concerns about parking, noise and a variety of other issues.

Foundry has already been handed a boost by council planners who have granted temporary permission to turn a nearby builders merchant's yard into a car park. 

Warwick District Council has granted temporary permission for the change of use until April 2028, making room for 52 parking spaces.

See the full council report here.