Monday December 1st 2025
Former Earlston Co Op
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Tills will be replaced by treadmills if councillors next week agree a recommendation for the conversion of a Berwickshire supermarket into a new gym.
A planning application for conversion of the former Co-op store, situated on the eastern side of Station Road in the centre of Earlston, has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council by Falcon’s Gym Limited.
When members of SBC’s Planning & Buildings Standards Committee meet on Monday, December 8, they will be recommended to approve the bid.
The proposed gym would create between seven to 10 jobs and would have a maximum capacity of 25 people, though the applicant advises that it is expected between 10 and 15 people would attend the gym at any one time.
The proposal would provide Earlston with a facility not currently available in the town, reducing the need for residents to travel elsewhere.
Thirty-one representations were received over the plans with five objections and 26 in support.
Objectors raised concern at an increase in the volume of traffic in a residential area and noise nuisance from loud music.
Those in support cited the benefits for the community in bringing a vacant building back into use.
In her supportive report, Julie Hayward, SBC principal planning officer, states: “As no external alterations are proposed, there would be no adverse impacts on the light or privacy of neighbouring properties.
“The main issue for a use of this nature is potential noise nuisance from amplified music, ventilation systems, increased vocal noise/amplified voice associated with instructor-led classes, and impact sound from weights and gym equipment.
“The supporting information states that the gym would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and there would be no music or public address system and no noise generating plant or machinery.
“The gym would utilise the two existing air conditioning units previously used by the shop, which (as far as the Planning Authority is aware) are in good working order.
“Environmental Health advises that as the gym is not structurally attached to domestic dwellings, impact sounds should not give rise to unreasonable adverse impacts during daytime hours.
“However, concern remains regarding the potential noise transmission at times when the background noise levels will be lower (usually between the hours of 10pm and 7am) and so opening hours have been agreed with the Environmental Health Officer and will be secured by condition.
“In addition, a further condition will prevent amplified music and organised classes that could potentially require a public address system.”
Tweet Share on Facebook
