A Dundee gymnastics school’s bid to move to a new studio and “guarantee its future” has been rejected by city council officers.
Planning chiefs have turned down Salto Gymnastics and Trampoline Club’s dream of creating a new base in a vacant unit at the Faraday Business Centre at Dryburgh Industrial estate.
The club wanted to create a full-time gymnasium, including a fitness suite and a cafe in the bullding, which has been empty since 2015.
Council officers refused the application because it is contrary to the local development plan.
The rejection comes just weeks after Edinburgh firm Ryze’s plans to create a “jumper’s paradise” in Claverhouse Industrial Estate were rejected for similar reasons.
Currently based at Braeview Academy, Salto Gymnastics said the move to dedicated premises was needed to guarantee its future.
The club’s application stated: “The club is looking to the future.
“No decision has been made yet regarding the options of a new-build school or an upgrade. However, the club has to avoid uncertainty and is therefore looking now for a move to suitable premises which will secure its future.”
The club said they had been looking a suitable base for two years and the only suitable premises they had found were those in Dryburgh Industrial Estate.
But the club has now been told council officers have decided to refuse their application.
In his letter to the club, head of planning Gregor Hamilton said Dryburgh Industrial Estate has been identified as a principal economic development area only to be used for business or industrial use.
He added: “The applicant has failed to demonstrate that the proposal for an out of centre Class 11 use cannot be accommodated within alternative premises and there are no activity specific issues which would make the use of alternative sites impractical.”
Mr Hamilton also said the proposed gym was not easily accessible either by public transport or on foot or bike and could “draw trade” away from other centres in Dundee.
Trustees of the gymnastics club can appeal the decision or seek alternative accommodation and submit a new planning application to the city council.
