A ROW has broken out over plans to open a new gym.

A mother and son team want to start up the business in the former American Appliance Centre at the Larkshall Business Centre in Larkshall Road, Chingford, but have become embroiled in a dispute over whether residents support or oppose the proposals.

Some 75 households in the area have reportedly signed a letter calling for the council to refuse a planning application for the development, citing concerns over noise and parking.

But Lesley Julian, of Larkshall Road, and son Rod Julian, of Arbor Road, say they have the support of the community and have started up a petition in an attempt to prove it.

Their gym plan has already been turned down once by the council back in October, on the grounds that it would cause disturbance and parking problems for residents.

But the determined Julians have resubmitted the application, which will be considered again on Tuesday January 4.

Mrs Julian said: “We have lived in Chingford for over 25 years and would love to give something to the community and this would be such a big affordable centre.

“We would be offering jobs, and also be helping the younger and older generations to get involved in getting fit.

“Weight management and fitness is something we feel very passionate about - we would not want to bring chaos with traffic or anything else.”

But objector and nearby resident Trevor Calver, 63, of Larkshall Road, said: “This is a residential area and the effect on parking would be a nightmare.

“The applicant says users of the gym will walk and cycle but how can anyone give that kind of commitment?

“You can't determine how people will travel to your business.

“And what's not mentioned is there are five houses, including four with five bedrooms, being built right next door so when the new owners move in they will be terribly affected.

“There are already a number of gyms in the area as well so we don't see the necessity for it.”

Chingford MP Iain Duncan Smith has also been contacted about the issue by residents.

He said: “I have promised to help organise a meeting between both sets of residents – those who oppose the centre and those who support it.

“I am always in favour of any initiatives which aim to get people to take more exercise and I do think Chingford lacks fitness facilities. We await the decision on Tuesday January 4”.

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