Plans to transform a riverside warehouse into a brand-new gym in Cardigan have been put on hold by local planners. Nathan Bowen had high hopes for converting a storage unit on Station Road into a fitness hub complete with changing rooms and other amenities. Backed by Cardigan RFC, the proposal included minimal exterior changes, like adding new windows and access ramps, ensuring ecological habitats were unharmed.
However, Ceredigion Council shot down the idea, citing policy concerns. The council’s officer’s report said shifting from a Class B storage use to a D2 fitness use “does not reflect nor enhance the role of the site.” The site is zoned for uses like storage and light industry (B1, B2, and B8), not leisure. The planners stressed the importance of keeping the land’s purpose aligned with these designations to preserve local employment opportunities.
The council highlighted that the current B-class use remains commercially viable and that no formal attempt to market it as such has been carried out. Therefore, they see the request to change its use as “premature.”
While Nathan Bowen and supporters argue the gym would benefit the community by promoting health and fitness, for now, it’s a no-go. It’s a classic tussle between community needs and planning regulations, leaving Cardigan’s fitness enthusiasts awaiting further developments.
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