The future of a Peebles gym is uncertain after it was refused retrospective planning approval.

An application was received in June by Scottish Borders Council’s planning department for the change of use of units 9 and 10 at Cavalry Park Business Centre from an office to a gymnasium.

EnduroFit Tweedvalley Ltd had previously been operating a fitness centre at the location without change of use approval as its owner was unaware it was needed.

Now council planning officer Ranald Dods has refused the bid after deeming it to be contrary to planning policy in respect of the protection of business and industrial sites.

It is not known what implications the decision will have for the business or if there is to be an appeal against it.

In his report, Mr Dods said: “The building was granted permission in 1997 as an office block comprising 10 units. It is acknowledged that an application for a gymnasium has already been granted at unit in Cavalry Park, although the circumstances in that case were entirely different and both applications have been treated on their own merits.

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“There are pressures to find new business and industrial land within the Tweeddale area. The development of a gymnasium at this location would lead ultimately to the loss of allocated business and industrial land where there is a known pressure for business and industrial land.”

A submission with the application from the applicant’s agent, Cardrona-based Novo Design Studios Ltd, said: “The applicant was unaware that they required planning permission for a change of use. They had informed the Assessors Office only and mistakenly assumed that this is all that they had to do.

“There have been no alterations to external fabric of the building. All the works are internal and cosmetic and the application relates to a change of use only.”

Peebles Civic Society was consulted over the bid and raised no objections to it.

A spokesperson from Novo Design Studios Ltd declined to comment on the planning refusal decision.