A NEW gym has scrapped plans for illuminated signage which would’ve shone into people’s homes.

P2F Health Club in Diglis is set to re-open as Anytime Fitness next month but criticism over the “intrusive” lighting has led to a swift re-think.

Following a crunch meeting with residents and planners, organised by city councillor Lynn Denham on July 17, the gym franchisee submitted a revised application for the signage which was approved last Tuesday.

City council planners gave the thumbs up to a halo illuminated fascia above the entrance and a non-illuminated hanging sign on the side of building, which was initially also going to be illuminated.

Councillor Lynn Denham said businesses should “always be mindful when operating in a residential area” but that the gym had not involved residents or councillors “at all” to begin with.

Referring to the originally proposed signage, Cllr Denham said one sign would be “shining straight into people’s bedrooms”.

In an objection submitted to the council Mehrdad Hajihassany had said the local residents group would be writing to the management of the estate to “not allow any illuminated sign to be attached to our building before we consider any legal action”.

Another bugbear with residents was the gym’s apparent plan to operate round the clock after members of the current gym were told via email “your club will become 24 hours”.

This was a major bone of contention at the meeting last month and resulted in the applicants applying to open from 6am rather than 8am, but continue to close at 11pm. This has yet to be approved by the council.

However, residents then voiced concerns on the council’s planning portal that minimally altering the operating hours will help to usher in 24 hour opening later on.

In an email to members, Anytime has also said: “We are unable to go 24 hours until further notice.”

Meanwhile, in a statement to us, it said the franchisees are working on the “best approach” for the community.

Cllr Denham said: “I made clear that they have a PR job to do, to repair relationships and reach out to the Diglis community.”

Work to revamp the gym saw it close on August 16 and it is scheduled to re-launch under the new brand on September 2.