A PROPOSAL has been approved to convert a former fitness studio into a family home after it was put on the market due to the 'devastating impact' of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fitness Surgery in Market Street, Dalton, was put in the market in November last year after 20 years of trading.

The sports training and fitness business was set up in September 2001 and was used as the owner's primary residence as well as space to run their business which offers tailored sports training and private individuals on a one and one basis.

New plans were submitted to Barrow Borough Council earlier this year to convert the former fitness surgery into a single residential unit as part of the use of a single dwelling house.

The proposal, submitted on October 7, has been given the green light by the planning committee.

A covering letter submitted by the applicant's agents, Adams Planning and Development, states: "When our clients purchased the first floor accommodation, it was being let as residential accommodation to two tenants.

"The property was in a very poor state of repair so our client has refurbished it and used it initially as residential accommodation, later changing its use to an ancillary gym area that they gave used for both their and their client's fitness training."