PLANS have been unveiled for a 24-hour gym and office complex on an unused plot in a Hampshire town, generating new jobs.

The plans have been submitted for the former Wellworthy site off Christchurch Road and have been submitted to New Forest District Council’s planning department as part of the Forest Gate Business Park.

The proposal would see a four-storey building including an Anytime Fitness gym on the ground and first floor, while Wareham-based branding company Extreme Ltd would take the remaining space above.

It is thought the new development will create around 30 new jobs.

The site would be located directly opposite the location for the 84-bed Premier Inn hotel, which was approved by New Forest District Council last month and Colten Care on Wellworthy Way.

A statement by planning consultants Lionel Gregory Architects, said: “The site is the last vacant plot on the site and is next to a development of industrial units at Crow Arch Lane.“The site at the southern end of Forest Gate, with future development planned further south, which will be served by an extension to the existing service road, Wellworthy Way.“The new development is likely to consist of new housing and employment buildings.

“The proposal will provide a useful amenity to the business park that can be used by all the community.

“The gym franchise sets a low monthly fee to make is affordable to most of the community.

“The building itself will be an attractive asset to the business park and should be supported.”

Anytime Fitness has more than 3,800 clubs open worldwide, with 130 currently operating in the United Kingdom.

However, concerns were raised about the plans by Ringwood Town Council who objected to the scheme.

In a statement, they said that the height of the building at 14.5m, was too tall and the design was bulky and overbearing while the parking proposal of 44 spaces was a significant concern.

Meanwhile, the Ringwood Society said the proposals had a severe lack of

parking facilities which could lead to blocking and congestion on nearby streets in the town.

The final decision will be made by New Forest District Council later this week.

Ringwood councillor Jeremy Heron confirmed that he was aware of the plans.

He added: “I encourage residents to have their say on the planning application.”