A NEW gym has applied for permission to extend its opening times but not 24 hours a day as feared by nearby residents.

P2F Health Club in Diglis is set to become Anytime Fitness next month and as part of the re-brand had initially promised members “your club will become 24 hours”.

However, following a crunch meeting with residents and planners, organised by city councillor Lynn Denham on July 17, the gym owners submitted an application to open from 6am, rather than 8am, but continue to close by 11pm.

Residents were also unhappy about the plan for two “intrusive” illuminated signs outside the gym and Cllr Denham said it was agreed this would be reviewed, while any plan to move the entrance was denied.

The councillor said the outcome of the meeting, attended by franchise manager Collette Freeman as well as representatives from applicants THBaker and Anytime Fitness, saw a “positive movement towards compromise”.

“We will need to watch to ensure that the actions now match what was said at the meeting. I made clear that they have a PR job to do, to repair relationships and reach out to the Diglis community.”

Work to revamp the gym will see it closed from August 16 until September 2, while a public consultation has been opened regarding the new signage and is set to close on August 21.

Residents have already voiced concerns on the council’s planning portal that altering the operating hours will help to usher in 24 hour opening later on. In an email to members, Anytime said: “We are unable to go 24 hours until further notice.” In a statement to us, it said the franchisees are working on the "best approach" for the community.

"The new franchisees have met with the planning officers and are working together on the best approach to ensure the new Anytime Fitness continues to service the community.

"Working and engaging with communities is a key part of our company ethos across our 165+ UK sites and we want to ensure the new gym is a valued addition to the local area."