Gym is refused planning permission again

A GYM that opened last summer in Fishponds has been refused planning permission for a second time.

Kulture Training Club opened in a former car showroom without first getting permission from Bristol City Council.

Neighbours have complained about noise and music coming from the building in New Station Way, near the Royal Mail office and Bristol & Bath Railway Path, from early in the morning.

Permission was needed to change the use of the building.

But when the council refused planning permission the first time, the gym stayed open anyway. Planning officers at the council then asked the gym to apply for permission a second time — and they have now refused permission again, due to concerns over noise impacting neighbours.

‘A shame it’s come to this’

Councillor Louis Martin, whose Frome Vale ward includes the gym and neighbouring homes, said: “I’m pleased that local residents will no longer have to wait in limbo for the council’s verdict, after they had already endured the gym’s noise since it opened without planning permission in the summer of 2025.

“It’s a shame it’s come to this.

“As the local councillor, I want to support new businesses in my ward wherever possible, but residents have evidently had to put up with an unacceptable level of noise and I am glad that they will finally get some peace.

“If the gym’s owners had insulated the property so its neighbours would not be disturbed by the music and machine-related noise, planning permission might well have been granted.

“It’s regrettable that they didn’t follow the council’s advice — which resulted in having planning permission refused for a second time — as it was clearly a very popular business, and promoted good values that I care about, such as healthy living and exercise.

“But rules exist for a reason. Anyone considering starting a business needs to take planning permission seriously, and do things by the book.”

The gym could appeal the refusal to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which has the power to overturn the decision and grant permission.

Last autumn the row over Kulture Training Club sparked wider questions about how effective the council’s planning enforcement team is.

‘Iconic destination’

In planning documents, Kulture said several measures would be taken to limit the impact on neighbours. This includes rubber matting and soundproof panels, acoustic treatment to walls, sealing all cracks and openings, and improving the roof.

Sound limiter systems would stop music being played too loud, no PA systems would be used, and windows and doors kept shut.

The gym’s planning statement said: “Beyond a gym, this space will serve as a hub for connection and collaboration, with thoughtfully integrated co-working areas to foster creativity and productivity.

“The result will be an iconic destination in Fishponds that elevates the standard for fitness and lifestyle design, while contributing to the vibrancy of the local community.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service