PLANS to open a new gym in a canalside building in Silsden have been approved.

AN application to convert 453 square metre section of Canal Works, off Elliot Street, into a "multi functional gym" were submitted to Bradford Council by Ben Sowrey.

It said the new business would include sports facilities that will cater for local instructors and community based physical training. There will also be access to onsite physios and sports rehab specialists.

There had been some objections to the plans, claiming the new business would compete with existing gyms in Silsden. But 37 people had written to the Council supporting the application.

Support for £5.5m bridge that will help boost walking and cycling between Steeton and Silsden

Bradford Council approved the application this week.

Planning officers said: "The proposed change of use will not require any external alterations to the building so the proposal will have no harmful impact on the visual amenity of the local environment.

"Similarly, there will be no impact on the character or setting of the Leeds Liverpool Canal Conservation Area."

They said although the business would lead to an increase in traffic to and from the site, there was adequate parking, and it would not be much more traffic than the building's current planning use (light industrial).