A major gym operator has applied to convert a Grantham carpet store into a commercial gym.

PureGym Ltd seeks the change of use concerning the Carpet Right outlet off London Road in part of the Discovery Retail Park, south of the town centre.

The planning application to South Kesteven District Council says the number employed on the 733m2 site would increase from 3 full-time equivalent staff to 9ftes.

Leeds-based PureGym operates more than 280 gyms across the country, with the nearest to Grantham more than 20 miles away in Nottingham and Lincoln.

It describes its facilities as low-cost, high-value, which operate 24/7, with members using a card to gain entry.

The company says it has searched for alternative sites around Grantham, and mentions one in Guildhall Street, but says none were big enough for is needs.

Instead, the proposed site is large enough, close to parking and the town centre and away from housing.

The application explained: "Given the space requirements of the proposed development, it is evident that there are no available and suitable alternative sites within Grantham town centre.

"The application site is in an accessible edge-of-centre location that is well connected to the town centre and therefore provides the most sequentially preferable location for the proposed development."

South Kesteven District Council has yet to determine the application.