We, the undersigned members and supporters of Anytime Fitness in Penarth hold deep concern and shared dismay regarding the potential closure of our gym and the proposed change of use from 'gym' to 'retail.' The news that Majestic Wines may take over the lease is causing great distress within our community, and we implore you to consider the profound impact this decision would have on our town.
Anytime Fitness in Penarth is not merely a gym; it is a cherised safe space and a thriving community for its members. Beyond the physical workouts, it serves as a sanctuary where individuals find solace, support, and a genuine sense of belonging. Members forge meaningful connections, creating a community that transcends the typical gym experience.
The facility is a haven for those relying on it not just for physical fitness but as a vital component of their mental well-being. The welcoming atmosphere and camaraderie cultivated by the dedicated staff and fellow members make Anytime Fitness an indispensable resource for those seeking not only to enhance their physical health but also to find comfort and support for their mental and emotional needs. The potential closure of this community hub would undoubtedly leave a profound void, impacting the lives of its members far beyond the realm of traditional gym facilities.
When the building was originally granted planning permission, it was with the understanding that a gym would serve the community's well-being. The approval of this change not only contradicts the initial planning purpose but also poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of the dedicated staff who have made significant contributions to the well-being of our community.
Furthermore,there is already a Majestic Wine retail shop merely 6 minutes' drive from Anytime Fitness. Allowing a second branch in such close proximity threatens the existence of the independent wine shop, The Bottle Shop, and overlooks the numerous supermarkets in the area that already offer a variety of wine options. Gyms, on the other hand, are scarce, and their positive impact on community health cannot be overstated.
We also believe that replacing a gym with a wine shop goes directly against The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, which is the VoG is legally bound by.
Anytime Fitness, with nearly 1000 active members, caters to a diverse range of individuals, from teenagers seeking strength improvement to menopausal women alleviating their symptoms. Its classes are open to non members and brings a diverse group of people together to exercise and connect.
The passionate staff at Anytime Fitness have not only provided a welcoming and supportive environment but have also become integral to fostering a sense of community. The variety of classes offered by the dedicated team has positively impacted the mental health of both members and non-members alike.
The proposed change of use from 'gym' to 'retail' not only disregards the original planning permission but also puts at risk the livelihoods of the dedicated staff who have become an essential part of our community. Moreover, it questions the council's commitment to prioritise the health and well-being of Penarth's residents over business interests.
We firmly believe that a gym, with its positive impact on physical and mental health, is a more valuable asset to our community than a wine shop. The health of Penarth's residents should take precedence over financial considerations and the promotion of alcohol consumption. A gym fosters a healthier lifestyle, and the potential closure of Anytime Fitness poses a threat to the well-being of our community.
We implore you to reconsider the proposed retail permit, recognising the broader implications it holds for the health, livelihoods, and sense of community in Penarth. Preserving Anytime Fitness is not just about protecting a facility; it is about prioritising the well-being of our residents over business ventures that may compromise the health of our community.
Why is this important?
Our mental health and physical fitness relies on this gym. It's an integral part of our daily life, our routine and our happiness. It's more than a gym, it's a community.
Rydym ni, yr aelodau a chefnogwyr AnytimeFitness Penarth wedi arwyddo’r isod, gan ein bod yn poeni’n arw gyda’r syniad o gau ein gampfa, a’r cynnig o newid defnydd y gampfa i fangre manwerthu. Mae’r newyddion bod efallai Majestic Wines yn mynd i gymryd y brydles drosodd yn achosi gofid mawr ymhlith ein cymuned, ac rydym yn gofyn i chi feddwl am yr effaith y byddai hyn yn cael ar ein tref a’n cymuned.
Nid dim ond gampfa yw Anytime Fitness Penarth. Mae’n fangre diogel gyda chymuned llewyrchus i’w aelodau. Tu hwnt i’r sesiynau corfforol, mae’n fangre lle mae’r cymuned yn cael cefnogaeth, ac yn teimlo eu bod yn perthyn. Mae yna cysylltaidau ystyrlon sy’n creu cymuned sydd yn trosgynnu’r profiadau arferol o fod mewn gampfa.
Mae’r aelodau yn dibynnu ar y gampfa am fwy na dim ond y ffitrwydd corfforol. Mae’n le hanfodol am eu lles meddyliol ac emosiynnol. Mae’r awyrgylch yn un croesawgar a gyda ffrindiau a wnaed trwy waith y staff a phresenoldeb yr aelodau, mae Anytime Fitness Penarth yn adnodd anhepgor i rai sydd yn edrych i wella pob agwedd o’u hiechyd. Byddai cau y gampfa a chwalu’r gymuned yma yn effeithio’n fawr ar fywydau’r aelodau. Mae Anytime Fintess Penarth yn wahanol i gampfeudd traddodiadol.
Yn wreiddiol pan gaeth yr adeilad caniatad cynllunio, roedd dan y dealldwriaeth y byddai’r gampfa yn gwella lles y gymuned. Byddai caniatau’r newid o’r defnydd i fangre manwerthu yn mynd yn erbyn y pwrpas cynllunio gwreiddiol, ond hefyd yn bygwth bywoliaethau’r staff sydd wedi cyfrannu’n sylweddol at les ein cymuned arbennig.
Mae yna Majestic Wines yn barod dim ond i chi yrru 6 munud lawr y ffordd o Anytime Fitness Penarth. Byddai caniatau ail siop mor agos i’r llall yn bygwth siop gwin annibynol The Bottle Siop, ac hefyd nifer o archfarchnadau sydd yn cynnig gwin ac alcohol yn barod. Mae gampfeudd, ar y llaw arall, yn brynn, a’u heffaith bositif ar iechyd yn hanfodol.
Rydym hefyd yn credu bod rhoi siop gwin mewn lle y gampfa yn mynd yn erbyn y Ddeddf Lles y Dyfodol, y mae’r Cyngor wedi ei rwymo’n gyfreithiol i.
Mae’r gampfa gyda bron 1000 o aelodau, yn le diogel i bob math o bobl o’r gymuned. Mae’r dosbarthiadau ar agor i bobl sydd ddim yn aelodau, fel bod modd iddynt gael y cyfle i ymuno, ac mae’n dod a phobl gyda’i gilydd i ymarfer eu cyrff.
Mae’r staff annogol yn Anytime Fitness wedi creu awyrgylch croesawgar, a chefnogol, ac hefyd yn rhan hanfodol o greu’r gymuned. Mae’r dewis o ddosbarthiadau sydd ar gael yn helpu iechyd meddwl yr aelodau a’r rhai sydd yn dod i’r gampfa sydd ddim yn aelodau hefyd,
Rydym yn credu’n gryf bod y gampfa, gyda’i effaith bositif ar iechyd corfforol a meddyliol, yn ased gwerthfawr i’n cymuned. Un yn fwy na siop gwin. Dylai iechyd preswylwyr Penarth fod yn fwy bwysig nac ystryriaethau ariannol. Mae’r gampfa yn maethu ffordd o fyw sy’n fwy iach, ac mae’r bygythiad o gau’r gampfa yn fygythiad i les ein cymuned.
Rydym yn gofyn i chi i ailystyried y cais i newid defnydd y fangre o gampfa i fangre manwerthu, a’r effaith y bydd yn cael ar iechyd, bywoliaeth a chymuned yma ym Mhenarth. Mae cadw ac amddiffyn Anytime Fitness yn cadw ac yn amddiffyn ein lles.
