Change the Use of an Existing Garden Outbuilding to a Small Commercial Gym

The client approached Planning By Design to change the use of an existing garden outbuilding to a small commercial gym, with a separate pedestrian access for customers.

Following a planning appraisal, our town planning team identified that the proposed commercial use required a full planning application. Particular consideration was given to neighbouring residential amenity, customer parking and access arrangements.

Our architectural team prepared the required drawings, showing the outbuilding, site layout and proposed pedestrian access. The scheme included a dedicated walkway and screening fence to separate customer access from the private residential garden.

Our town planning team prepared a Design and Access Statement explaining how the gym could operate within its residential setting. The statement addressed the appointment-only booking system, limited customer numbers, on-site parking and measures to minimise noise and disturbance.

Planning permission has now been approved for the installation of the outbuilding and its change of use to a commercial gym, together with the creation of pedestrian access.

Drawings & Planning Documents

Andy Chan

September 23, 2026

I approached this architectural firm after previous owner’s planning application for a dropped kerb on a classified road had been refused. Knowing the complexity of the planning process and the challenges involved, I wanted an experienced professional to assess the situation properly and prepare a strong application. From the outset, they provided a thorough planning appraisal and feasibility report, clearly explaining the planning constraints, relevant policies, and the likelihood of success. Their knowledge of highway and planning requirements was evident throughout, and they were able to identify key issues that had contributed to the previous refusal. The report was detailed, well-researched, and professionally presented, giving both me confidence that the proposal had been carefully considered. Communication was excellent throughout the process. I would highly recommend their services to anyone requiring planning.

Lucy Locket

September 10, 2026

Planning By Design are a brilliant team – I can’t praise them highly enough, both personally and for their meticulous, skilful work. I had no idea how wonderful they’d really be. I’d expected them to reproduce more or less what I’d sent (a sketch of a small piece of land, some photos, and my problem) and just put it into the necessary jargon. Boy oh boy, I couldn’t have been more wrong: it was like Mozart turning ‘Twinkle, twinkle, little star’ into a symphony. Planning By Design produced an awesome planning application that explained to the Council my problem in an excellent way, what laws support me in it, together with architectural maps and drawings. (I’m in an AONB, and didn’t want to risk possible objections & repercussions further down the line. Neighbours advised me just to go ahead without mentioning it to the Council because they’d almost certainly say no, but I’d have been living in a ticking timebomb!) Planning By Design have now sent me the Council’s thumbs up to go ahead. I’m on cloud nine. They’re a fantastic team – so professional, as well as patient and good-humoured, and know just what to do and how to do it. I’ll recommend them to anyone wanting to carry out works to their property with a peaceful mind rather than just hoping for the best!!!

Amy Ralph

August 21, 2026

recommends

This is our first big home project and we had no clue where to start, or of the process. PBD helped us from the beginning to do the neccessary checks that what we wanted to do was possible, did our drawings and plans for us, and even did the application to the council which went on to get accepted first time. The whole process was made to feel 'smooth' and took all stress away from us, knowing that all steps were being undertaken in the right way which was what ultimately led to our application getting accepted so quickly as they did everything to the correct requirements of our council. We would not hesitate to recommend on to others, and if we were to do any further projects we will be sure to use again. Thank you to all involved.

Henry Agbebo

August 13, 2026

I am very pleased with the professional service I received from Planning By Design. They managed my dropped kerb planning application efficiently and kept me informed throughout the process. Their knowledge, guidance and attention to detail made everything straightforward and stress-free. Most importantly, my application was approved. I would happily recommend Planning By Design to anyone seeking reliable and professional planning support.

Change the Use of an Existing Garden Outbuilding to a Small Commercial Gym

Drawings & Planning Documents

Diane R. Barto