East Wittering gym can continue 'changing lives' after retrospective plans are approved

Independent health and fitness club Witterings Fitness, based in Hilton Park, began operating as outdoor fitness classes in June 2017 'as a benefit for a local company on the estate'.

In November 2018, the gym was moved into Unit J, owned by the same company, to 'benefit the whole community and other companies on the estate'.

Director and founder Ben Price, an ex-military serviceman and corporal in the British Army, requested retrospective planning permission for the change of use (19/00934/FUL).

The application was approved by the Chichester District Council planning committee yesterday (Wednesday) with nine councillors voting in favour and one abstaining, despite concerns from councillors that it would go against policy and set a dangerous precedent for other businesses. It was judged that, due to the benefits it gives the community business, it should be approved.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr Price said: "We specialise in rehabilitation, personal coaching and we've had some really awesome success.

"It is really inclusive. We have 86-year-old Eddie who has now learned to walk again which has affected his life massively. We just started a training a 30-stone obese gentleman who has been to loads of other clubs but never felt comfortable or accepted. He had never been back to any club twice before us. [Being here] will drastically improve his life.

"Our mission is to inspire the Witterings to be the healthiest place in the UK. We are engaged with the local government and health providers to make that happen."

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