Residents near Hove Fitness Club have raised concerns about potential noise disturbances if the venue is granted a licence to serve alcohol. The gym, located at its new site on St Heliers Avenue, has applied to serve alcohol from noon to 10pm.
The business previously held a similar licence at its old location next to the greyhound stadium on Orchard Road. However, two neighbors have objected to the current application, prompting a hearing before the Brighton and Hove City Council licensing panel on Thursday, May 30.
Nick Huxley, a resident of Colman Avenue, voiced the community’s worries about music playing on the gym’s balcony. Neighbors have requested that last orders be at 9.30pm and that no customers be allowed outside after that time.
“A couple of neighbors further down can hear the music sometimes through exercise classes. I can sometimes. I know that’s been fixed with closing windows while classes are on,” Huxley told the panel. “It’s just a case of having consideration and having it written down that best efforts would be made to close windows and close doors to keep the sound inside.”
Hove Fitness Club director Ben Hutton, 48, explained that the gym had to relocate from its previous premises last October after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was discovered at the site. Hutton noted that the former occupants of the St Heliers Avenue location, Dragons and LA Fitness, also had drinks licences, although the immediate predecessor, Sports Direct, did not.
The club is now investing in tennis courts and developing a club atmosphere to replace the old squash courts. Hutton highlighted the social aspect, saying, “I’m sure a lot of people after they play tennis and a lot of people after they finish classes, especially in the evenings, would like to come and sit in the café area and socialise and have a beer. This was quite often the case at the last club.”
Café manager Dan Caplin emphasized the importance of the social element for members, stating, “It’s members-only we plan to have in the café. They can bring guests in but there are no plans to make this a public area or public space. We have no plans to put speakers or amplified music on the outside terrace.”
In response to concerns about noise, Caplin proposed a compromise, suggesting that alcohol sales end at 9.45pm to allow for a 15-minute drinking-up period.
The licensing panel, comprised of councillors Lucy Helliwell, Ivan Lyons, and Kerry Pickett, has retired to make a decision, which is expected to be announced within five working days.
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