A GYM could be demolished to make way for housing because the business has become “economically unviable”.

Gullane Gym, on the village’s Hall Crescent, has been operating for more than 15 years after being transformed from an old garage workshop. However, the health facility could make way for four new flats under proposals from gym boss Allan Anderson.

A design statement, included in plans submitted to East Lothian Council, says that Mr Anderson has been trying to make the business work for a number of years.

The document reads: “Since the commencement of the enterprise, Mr Anderson has continually provided outside finance to support the restricted trading of the business which, despite his best efforts and after persevering for 16 years, has determined that the financial viability of the venture is no longer affordable or justifiable.

“The gym is constrained by the restricted size of the property, which is indispensable for supporting sufficient amplified membership necessary to make the business justifiable as a going concern, especially in the present climate of contemporary gyms providing 24-hour access for significantly competitive deflated membership fees, not achievable in such a lesser populated area.

“Mr Anderson has, over the past two years, attempted to sell Gullane Gym as a going concern but, despite several endeavours and differing agents, the marketing of the property for use in any business capacity has been found to be impossible.

“In the intervening two years to date, there has only been one instance of relevance, and that from a property development company, upon whose offer was subject to obtaining planning consent for the purpose that Mr Anderson is now wishing to acquire.

“The situation is such that the business has become economically unviable.”

The plans, if approved, would see the current building demolished.

Four flats would then be built over two floors, with parking also included. Three of the four homes would include two bedrooms, with the remaining flat having a third bedroom.

A summary for the application describes it as “rational that an alternative solution is found to prevent the site from stagnating once the gym closes”.

Ward councillor Jeremy Findlay, who lives in Gullane, could not comment fully on the proposals because he is a member of the council’s planning committee, which could decide their fate.

He said: “I think I can probably go as far as to say I would be disappointed if the village lost yet another facility.”