A former tap house in Ulverston will be converted into a ‘community fitness facility’.

Westmorland and Furness Council has approved proposals from CrossFit Ulverston to transform industrial units 7 and 8 on the Lightburn Industrial Estate into a gym that will also provide community initiatives.

Unit 8 of Lightburn Industrial Estate was previously The Brewery Tap, which was operated by Lakeland Brewhouse Limited.

The application form states: “The proposed change of use is to support the conversion of unit eight from its current state as an industrial unit, formerly a tap bar, into a community fitness facility.

“The facility will provide a safe place for people to workout and become part of a community of likeminded people, regardless of age or ability.

“There will also be a number of community initiatives supported through the gym, including Bridging the gap, a charity initiative providing practical support for individuals struggling with mental health.

“Supporting this charity means that we can help and raise funds to provide memberships within the local community to those who are experiencing hardship.”

According to planning documents the applicant proposes the gym is open from 6am to 8pm on weekdays and 8am to 1pm on weekends.

A report by planning officers says: “A notable recent trend has been the use of industrial buildings or sites on established industrial estates for indoor sport and leisure uses.

“The change of use of employment related buildings for gyms, health suites or sports clubs can be attractive to operators since such premises tend to be in locations where parking problems or conflict with residents is avoided and internally offer adaptive and accommodating spaces suitable for sport and physical activity, including classes.

“Sports facilities need no longer be large scale with the advent of compact moveable exercise equipment allowing for increasing locational dissemination/disaggregation of niche facilities and services across communities.”

The application was approved on February 23 by Westmorland and Furness Council.