A VILLAGE’S gym could be demolished to make way for four new flats.

Gullane Gym has been on the market for more than three years but, with no-one taking over the Hall Crescent health facility, it could be turned into accommodation.

The business closed its doors in March, with plans to transform the building now being considered by East Lothian Council.

A design and access statement included with the planning application highlights Allan Anderson’s bid to sell the property.

It reads: “The client has endeavoured for over three years to market the business and site for any commercial purpose.

“The location proves for numerous reasons to be unsuitable for commercial suitability, this due to its extent: either too large or too small, it is positioned outwith Gullane’s main thoroughfare to provide sufficient passing trade, and like so many other small businesses finds that an increasingly online/internet-based method of work negates the requirements or need for an office.”

The proposals show that the building would be demolished. The creation of four flats would then “provide a practical and beneficial re-use of the land offering an appropriate characteristic building that will both enhance and contribute to the urban background of this conveniently and suitably convenient location”.

Two two-bedroom homes would be created on the ground floor, with the upstairs featuring one two-bedroom property and a further three-bedroom home.

Mr Anderson acquired the building, which has been extended and altered, in 2003.

The design and access statement, on behalf of applicant AFA Construction Services Limited, notes: “Since the commencement of the enterprise, Mr Anderson has recurrently provided outside finance to support the constrained trading of the business, which, despite his best efforts, and after persevering for 17 years, has succumbed to the financial viability of the venture being no longer affordable or justifiable; this before present pandemic circumstances intervened.

“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.”

Councillor Jeremy Findlay, who lives in the village, was unable to comment on the plans as he is a member of the local authority’s planning committee.

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