Plans are in the pipeline to turn a vacant shop in Grantham town centre into a 'boutique' gym.

The premises in Watergate have lain empty since late 2017 when Rutland Lighting closed the branch.

Now Laurence James has applied to South Kesteven District Council for change of use of the premises from class A1 retail to class D2 health club.

In his supporting letter Mr James, who operates two Clubfit 24 gyms in Rushden and Wigston, says: "Our core aims of the health club will be to bring the Grantham community together, with this resulting in increased health, fitness and the physiological benefits that come with moderate exercise.

"The health club will be boutique...the usage from the public will not be vast and we expect fairly low traffic daily when compared with other larger health clubs."

Mr James says he is aiming for 40 to 90 visits daily, with the lower figure towards the weekend.

He intends that the gym will stay open 24 hours from Monday until 9pm on Friday, open Saturday from 8am to 6pm and Sunday from 8am back to 24 hours.

The business would have CCTV and be monitored overnight by a security company.

"The strong contributing factor to our operating times is that it benefits largely those that work in the NHS, shift workers, carers and restaurant works that may finish late," adds Mr James' letter.

Image courtesy of Brown & Co