Batcheller Monkhouse have worked with the new owners of Knowle Grange Health Club on a number of proposals to upgrade and expand the facilities at Knowle Grange Health Club.
Christine Dadswell from our Tunbridge Wells Planning Team built on a previous permission she had obtained for the Health Club. This granted permission for a purpose built gym facility as well as the refurbishment and upgrading of the spa facilities. The health club wanted to look to increase their membership levels to maintain its viability.
The new entrance at Knowle Grange Health Club
A transport consultant assessed whether the site could support the additional vehicular activity from an increased membership level, and confirmed that it could. The team then decided to proceed with an application to increase the membership limits imposed by previous planning approvals. As part of this application the owners wanted to look at improving the parking and access arrangements for the site.
Originally, the site had two access points, one of which had poor visibility. Batcheller Monkhouse worked with the transport consultant to explore options for improving site access and optimising the car park layout. The conclusion was to propose a new access point and block off both existing accesses. This would create a central access point, maximising the space dedicated to the parking area.
Collaboration with Consultants for the New Access Point
Knowle Grange Health Club
Batcheller Monkhouse then worked with the transport and tree consultants to agree the optimum position for this new access point. A planning application was submitted for the proposals to increase the membership levels and new access point. As part of the process, negotiations took place regarding off-site highway improvements to enhance public transport connections to the site. The scheme was approved under delegated powers after these discussions. In addition to the transport consultant’s input on vehicular traffic associated with the proposed membership increase, Batcheller Monkhouse conducted research on membership limits at other local health clubs and gyms. We then put forward evidence that even with the proposed increase the health club would have a significantly lower membership level than town centre gym facilities. Based on this evidence, the proposed membership level was deemed appropriate for a smaller, bespoke health club.
Further site improvements included dedicated changing rooms for the outdoor swimming pool and a cover to enable year-round use. All permitted schemes have been implemented and the health club is now operating with new and expanded facilities.
If you would like to find out more please get in touch with our Planning team.
Offices in Battle, Haywards Heath, Pulborough and Tunbridge Wells.
