Bodybuilder's Bristol gym hopes frustrated by red tape
A bodybuilder trying to open a new gym in Kingswood says he is being frustrated by red tape.
Tom Blackman, 29, wants to open an exercise studio at the Douglas Road industrial estate, and cater for everyone from bodybuilders like himself to the disabled and school children.
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He needs to apply to South Gloucestershire Council for a change of use for the building, but says so far they have not been very positive.
The planning authority says the site must be used for "employment generation" purposes for which a gym would not qualify, despite Mr Blackman's claim it would create 15 new jobs during difficult economic times.
He has also been told the lack of interest in the site during the last year does not support his proposal, because with the current financial climate that is to be expected.
Now he has launched a petition to back his scheme, so far securing 100 signatures from local teams and supporters.
Mr Blackman, of Westbury-on-Trym, who has won several shows in the past seven years said: "I made a speculative inquiry, I had a letter back saying every other planning application of this kind has failed so this would fail too.
"It's a bit of a hard slog trying to get support but I've got 100 signatures from teams who want this to happen.
"We're not like Fitness First or something like that, we're more like a big American gym where there are so many different types of equipment you can have a different workout every time
"We're promoting disabled use, because there's nothing like that in Bristol at the moment.
"The big chains just have disabled access for them to get planning, but this will give them something to do.
"It's all well and good for most gyms to have disabled access to satisfy planners but then have no machines or equipment that they can use.
"In addition because we will be actively encouraging sport we are helping with the Government's drive towards getting more people into sport by 2012."
Mr Blackman has been a competitive bodybuilder for seven years, is well known in the industry and has won a number of shows.
He said: "No one wants to take up the buildings for rent, and the owner is saying he can't afford it because of the credit crunch.
"It's frustrating. The council hasn't considered the range of benefits to the area we will be offering and just see their silly clauses and are hiding behind a few legislative points.
"However there is allowance in the planning laws to allow gyms to be built in the protected employment area, they are just conveniently ignoring it."
Council spokesman Sarah Hudspith supplied the Post with the letter of advice a planning officer sent Mr Blackman.
He was told that the council has to ensure that employment land is safeguarded for the future. Once the use has changed to leisure, any other leisure facility could occupy the premises with no need to re-apply for permission.
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by Luke Bartram, Portsmouth
Saturday, October 03 2009, 3:27PM
“Bristol lacks a club which appeals to everyone and has professionals with real experience running it. Tom is a true professional and should be granted the opportunity to A - Provide a fantastic service and ANYONE and EVERYONE, and B - contribute to the poor economic pinch the majority of us are feeling.. If it's providing job opportunities this in itself meets the criterea? Let alone everything else it will give to the community.”
by Mr Dixie Normus, Scotland
Thursday, September 10 2009, 8:12PM
“The council should be applauding Tom. Here is a local man who wants to provide a fitness service to everyone irrespective of age and physical ability. If this is not a perfect example of equal opportunties then i don't know what is.
15 permanent jobs is ample in the current times of exponential increases is unemployment. Like so many councils it would appear that Bristol have there heads stuck in strange brown places. Kind of reminds me of the tram line building council in Edinburgh. I digress.
We live in a country of increasing obesity, and what appears to be reducing sporting opportunities. Would you prefer the local teenagers to continue on the rampage, or perhaps to receive a new driver in their life that might restore pride and self belief. This would be better than being shunned as they are throughout our once great nation.
So Bristol council, Tom Blackman has the focus and the mental tools to deliver, can you deliver your part of the bargain.
The knock on benefits could be excellent for the community.”
by Lloyd, Grimsby
Thursday, September 10 2009, 2:27PM
“This is truly astonishing, there are no cons to this proposal, just pro's. A local man trying to make an honest living which will create new jobs an help combat obesity is a fantastic oppertunity, furthermore the government want to increase youths interest in sports for 2012. No reason to disallow this project whatsoever.”
by ollie beard, waverley surrey
Sunday, July 19 2009, 8:13PM
“I am a gym owner from haslemere,surrey and I found myself in the exact situation that Tom is in now, 8 months ago.I did get my planning agreed eventually,but by the time the planning officer had messed about with out of date policys and taking long holidays,i was left tens of thoundands in debt nearly losing everything.My business is now on its feet, doing well.GIVE TOM A BREAK.It will prove a very valuable local amenity,giving a very individual service to everyone that the large faceless fitness companys cannot offer.council policys are mostly outdated and completely useless in our current financial climate.I hope SGC councelors will see sence.planning officers should be penalised and prosucuted when they play with peoples lives like this.its discraceful”
by scotty, uk
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 4:21PM
“government complain about fat obese children going to grow up to have health problems yet they dont help schemes like this that deserve backing!!!!!!
council too busy painting everything green rather than trying to help people who deserve it. helping to create more jobs in a bad time lower unemployment, helping everyone from kids to disabled people enjoy a healthier life
council need to get themselves sorted here in my opinion”
by GP, UK
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 3:49PM
“Typical council short-sightedness... you obviously forgot to put the part about kick backs in the letter Tom!! All joking aside, any person with common sense would see that something like this would only offer a benefit to the community... but then how many councils are NOT about benefiting the community, unfortunately too many to count mate. Keep up the good work.”
by idon'tlikecricket, devon
Sunday, July 12 2009, 7:05PM
“Really quite sad.
Even one job created is a bonus. As this is a gym i can imagine the unit in question isn't huge, so any other business is likely to employ similar numbers. A tyre fitters for example.
I understand BCC sees this as a change of facility use, but it's really just splitting hairs. Tom may, one day, get an outside driver (another mini-business) to ferry disabled people to and fro.
BCC, chill out and give a man a job. Remember, this is a tax-paying individual NOT a money-grabbing chain. He may only employ half a dozen people but WE NEED JOBS.
Good luck Tom.”
by matt, bristol
Friday, June 12 2009, 4:48PM
“with the rising rate of obesity in this country could this gym opening really be the worst that could happen? not only does tom have the discipline and commitment to make this gym a success, he also has the qualifications and more importantly the experience of being a top class competitor. Tom is one of the most knowledgable people in his field and to deny him the oppurtunity to help so many people achieve a healthier lifesyle is just insane. bristol is one of the quickest growing city's in Britain and a new gym is certainly needed.”
by driving iron 2, newcastle
Thursday, June 11 2009, 8:33PM
“A man who is trying to generate jobs, promote healthy living and use vacant property...typical council red taspe that hinders the small businessman..shame on you Bristol Council”
by driving iron 2, newcastle
Thursday, June 11 2009, 8:29PM
“a guy who trying to inprove the lives of people ...promoting a healthy lifestyle and utilizing vacant properties,,,why do thew council never support the small businessman! shame on you Bristol council”