A FORMER tool hire shop in Newport is to be converted into a gym - despite concerns around parking in the area.

The planning application for the large unit in Chepstow Road, which has been empty since the HSS Hire Shop closed earlier this year, was given the go-ahead by Newport City Council's Planning Committee earlier today, Wednesday.

American chain Snap Fitness had originally applied to be allowed to run the gym 24 hours a day. But it has now said it no longer plans to keep it open round the clock.

Speaking at yesterday's meeting, Alway ward member Cllr Ray Truman said he was "greatly concerned" about the lack in off-road parking spaces included in the plans.

"It is in very close proximity to a residential area," he said.

"It's probably about 10ft to the nearest house.

"It will have a potentially adverse impact on the area, which is already saturated with parking at the moment."

He added: "As far as I'm concerned this is in the wrong place."

His fellow Alway ward member Cllr John Guy agreed with his concerns, saying: "The area is horrendous for parking.

"Residents can't even park near their houses. Unless there is proper parking for customers this is a real problem."

Although the applicant had suggested gym members could use the Maindee Car Park, Malpas ward member Cllr James Clarke said this was unlikely as the car park is 0.7 miles away.

"If I was going to a gym and I saw a space in front of someone's house I wouldn't park in Maindee Car Park, I would park there," he said.

"That means the resident can't park there. That's a massive issue."

But Allt-yr-yn's Cllr Charles Ferris said he did not think concerns outweighed the potential benefits, saying: "If we don't allow this because of parking we wouldn't allow anything on Chepstow Road."

Five letters of objection from people living in the area, citing concerns around a lack of parking were also received by the council.

In one Pamela Lewis, of nearby Hawarden Road, said: "The parking in the adjoining streets is horrendous.

"We already have problems with parking, made even more difficult with Enterprise Car Hire on the opposite corner."

She added: "We also have restaurants and takeaways close by and that means even more problems with parking."

But owner of the nearby Beechwood Bed Centre Paul Gray wrote in support of the plans, saying the gym would be "a very useful addition to local amenities".

"Beechwood as a shopping are shares the same challenges that every high street location is suffering from, such as a move to online shopping and uncertainty regarding Brexit having a negative effect on consumer spending," he said.

The application was ultimately approved by six votes to four.

To view the application visit newport.gov.uk/planning and search for 17/0606