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

An application to convert a 453-square-metre section of Canal Works, off Elliott Street, into a “multi functional gym” was submitted to Bradford Council by Ben Sowrey.

The application 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 physiotherapists and sports rehabilitation specialists.

There had been some opposition to the plans. Objectors claimed the new business would compete with existing gyms in Silsden.

But support was also voiced for the project – 37 people had written to the council backing the application.

Planning officers have this month given the green light to the scheme.