A HELENSBURGH town centre gym has won its bid to be allowed unrestricted opening hours seven days a week.
Management at The Journey, in Colquhoun Square, sought to vary a condition of planning permission which restricted its opening times.
Argyll and Bute Council has now agreed to the change, after one objection from the public was received during the planning process.
A condition has been attached that amplified music is only allowed to be played between 7am and 9pm Monday to Saturday, and 1pm to 9pm on Sunday due to the proximity of Helensburgh Parish Church.
A council planning officer said in a handling report: “It is noted that an objection has been raised against the proposed 24/7 opening hours in regard to the potential for negative impacts on nearby residential properties in relation to noise and nuisance.
“In light of this, officers have considered the proposal under the bad neighbour development policy 14.
“However, as the property is detached (except for the vacant former bank development to the rear), and the nearest residential properties are some distance from the application site it is considered that the proposal to allow unrestricted opening hours will not have an adverse effect on the amenity of nearby residential properties.
“Furthermore, as the property is located within the town centre there is a level of noise and activity which is to be expected.
“Given the proposed location is within the town centre and the area environmental health manager is satisfied with the proposals subject to a recommended safeguarding condition relating to the restriction of amplified music during quiet hours it is considered that the development accords with this policy.
“The time has been extended to 9pm to allow for evening classes and it is considered that noise between 8pm and 9pm is generally reasonable in this location as explained above. The previous condition is considered slightly more restrictive than necessary.
“It is recognised that the church is a sensitive noise receptor on a Sunday morning when there is the usual Sunday service so the condition includes a restriction on the music for those mornings.”
