Inverness Everlast Gym community issue last minute plea in letter to Highland councillors ahead of crucial meeting
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Members and staff of an Inverness gym at risk of being closed have reached out to Highland councillors ahead of a decisive meeting tomorrow.
This comes as plans for a new entertainment centre featuring a bowling alley and inflatables are set to be discussed at a South Planning Committee meeting.
If successful, the development would see Hollywood Bowl take over the premises currently occupied by Everlast Gym and Sports Direct – which are owed by Frasers Group.
The planning application states that – according to the landlord and applicant, Hercules Unit Trust – the decision to vacate the planned site was taken by Sports Direct and Everlast's owners, Frasers Group, after failing to come to a fresh deal over rent for the building.
However general manager at Everlast, Nagina Ishaq, said that Frasers Group has not served any notice to the landlord and that negotiations from their side are not closed yet.
She stated this in a letter written on behalf of Everlast Community, Sports Direct and Roller Bowl:
Dear Councillors,
I’m reaching out to you one final time as you prepare for a crucial call that holds significant implications for your constituents, the NHS, and the Council itself.
Recent approval of the change of use application by officer John Kelly does not come as surprise, given his inclination and prior provisional approval in the pre-planning stage. To the officer, it appears to be another project, treated as a routine tick-box exercise which is understandable.
From the outset, our community has been urging Councillors and ministers to consider the broader implications. I implore all council members to fulfill their duty as public servants and be the voice of constituents who entrusted them with their votes. You are better equipped to look into the technicalities of the application. As a lay person with limited knowledge of legislations and policy, even I can see how some of the questionable material considerations have been looked over in the favour of this application.
The alignment between the Developer’s Planning Statement and the officer’s argument, asserting the equivalence of the existing gym’s Health and Fitness aspect with the proposed project, raises questions. Describing the proposed project as a leisure and fun activity, while categorising it as Health and Fitness to fall under Class 11 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Order 1997, seems questionable.
Practically, considering an inflatable activity centre and a bar for rehabilitation, as advised by physios and doctors, or to keep physical and mental health at bay, appears improbable. Additionally, it contradicts guidance from health experts and personal trainers who would not recommend frequent visits to a restaurants and bars to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Comparing this to the existing facility, dedicated solely to health and fitness with over 20,000sqft serving all age groups under Class 11, reveals a stark contrast. The attempt to define the proposed Inflatable Centre as a Health and Fitness activity, especially with limited space on the 1st floor, appears to be a substantial breach of material consideration, providing grounds to reject this proposal.
While it may be deemed a non-material consideration, Councillors should reflect on the alarming increase in Kessock Bridge incidents, from 78 in 2018 to a staggering 203 in 2022 (averaging 4 weekly). Highland is in dire need of mental health support, yet we are on the brink of closing a facility that serves the wider community and at no cost to the Highland Council. I would like to see the Councillors take the accountability of providing an alternative to all the members should they vote in favour of this application.
Conveniently, the adverse impact on local businesses, including the Trampoline Park and Roller Bowl, has been dismissed due to the prescribed distance in NPF4. I want to emphasise that the proposed facility is just 2miles from the town centre (unfortunately, offering nothing to attract footfall) the Roller Bowl is about 4miles away, posing a direct threat and risking imminent closure of these local businesses. Another material consdieration that has been easliy ruled out in the favour of the developer by restricting up the town center boundries. Inverness is not a very big city and we must take our decisions with this in mind.
The Sequential Assessments provided in response to NPF4 Policy 27 and 1, and the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan 2015, lacks the necessary detail to justify the unsuitability of town centre locations, including Eastgate Centre. Without factual information of the minimum ceiling hight required for the Inflatable centre, Eastgate has been ruled out by the developer. Information provided in response to the Development Plan covers the standard Hollywood Bowling park and Innoflate course sizes and it is for the planning office to delve deeper and take the necessary time before granting and approval that is going to impact a wider community.
While considering the developer case claiming to create 60 jobs, please do not be deceived by the false claims. Revamping 3 businesses to introduce 2 new which do not add a substantial value to the community in long terms.
It is imperative for decision-makers to delve deeper into these aspects for a more comprehensive understanding.
Frasers Group has not served any notice to the landlord. It is a clear indication that negotiations from their side is still not closed and is pending to the landlord’s willingness to reach a favourable agreement. The significant Elevation project is currently paused, awaiting the landlord’s consent for a long-term deal. While we cannot exert pressure on the owners regarding the extension, it is anticipated that they contribute to preserving the community and safeguarding their commercial interests.
Sports Direct is the brand that attracts a lot of retail traffic in this Retail Park. Other brands like Next, JD sports, New look, and Schuh all benefit from this foot fall. Taking this brand out of the mix will certainly impact the other retailers which is a commercial aspect only the Landlord should take into consideration.
In the end I would like to respectfully compel all the Councillors to take their time to read the comments public has made on this application for your attention. It was not practically possible for Planning Officer to comprehend the public’s voice, hence they have been left irrelevant. Over 800 additional signatures have been submitted on top of the existing 324 on the petition by Everlast members. As public representatives it’s your professional and moral obligation under the oath to listen and be the voice of your people when they need you.
December 12 is set to determine the fate of not just Everlast, Sports Direct and Roller Bowl but hundreds of members associate and history will remember you for the decision you take for the people of Inverness (including young and old, sick and fit or those on their journey to recovery).
As responsible citizens we all pay our taxes to the Government and Local Council to facilitate opportunities for the wellbeing of the community. Please stand up for your local community and stand up for the Council that may not be able to provide a substitute or build the same facility in near future.
Your time and support is highly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Nagina Ishaq
On behalf of Everlast Community, Sports Direct & Roller Bowl
