A major chain could take over a gym which closed earlier this year, but is asking for a set of new parking spaces to do it, say plans.

JD Gyms has agreed to take over the empty TruGym at Preston Farm, according to proposals submitted to Stockton Council.

James Pargeter has applied for planning permission for 37 more car parking spaces, including five disability bays and four electrical vehicle charging points, on Yarm Road, Stockton to meet the needs of the prospective occupier.

"The former occupant ‘TruGym’ ceased operations in May 2023, which has left the premise vacant and has been major loss as a leisure facility for local businesses and community,” says Total Planning Solutions in a planning statement.

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"Since then, the applicant has obtained interest from a major gymnasium chain known as JD Gyms, whom have agreed to occupy this vacant premise subject to additional parking spaces being provided to meet their necessity with respects to their business and financial viability model.

"In order to address their requirements, the applicant seeks 37 additional spaces which includes EV charging bays."

The plans propose to use or convert landscape and hard ground areas into parking spaces, removing a small section of metal railings, use a former service yard’s entrance and exit and move some air conditioning units.

The developer says it will be a “minor operation” for a business venture bringing economic benefits.

The building is near the site of a forthcoming Starbucks drive-through restaurant which was approved by the council in January.

Construction has just started on the coffee chain’s new branch, which will take up 30 of the car park’s 113 spaces.

The developer asserts the parking plan will not harm the area, neighbours or road safety, “taking into consideration the recently approved ‘Starbucks’ development which will predominately screen the parking area associated with the gym” and using a void piece of land for vital parking space.

The planning statement says: "The proposed development would preserve and enhance existing employment land by retaining existing and future businesses within a development that can provide sufficient parking for visitors and emergency services.

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"The proposal will provide a social role in that it will create a high-quality built environment, with accessible local services that reflect the community’s needs and support its health, social and cultural well-being for future generations.

"It is not considered that the proposal would cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the area nor materially affect the distinctiveness of this business complex."

TruGym, which opened in 2013, closed suddenly earlier this year months after it increased its fees. It had put the price rise down to the fallout from Covid and “extortionate energy price rises”.