Planning permission sought for new Exmouth boxing gym and sports hub

Exmouth Amateur Boxing Club is seeking planning permission for a new boxing gym and community sports hub at Warren View Sports Ground.

The two-storey building would have a three-ring boxing gym on the ground floor, and on the first floor a multi-function gym space and a mezzanine to see the boxing rings below.

It would be "at this scale... the only one of its like in the South West" and have "national draw in attracting high-level amateur boxing competitions and training programmes", according to the planning documents.

It would be around 1,000sqm in size, and be located at the most easterly point of the site to avoid the sports pitches on "disused space currently overgrown with vegetation".

A parking area with 29 parking spaces would be provided, including three disabled spaces and three EV charging spaces, as well as a bicycle rack.

The exterior would have vertical metal cladding, glass and a roof sloping to one side. The design is reportedly inspired by a boxing headguard.

Exmouth Amateur Boxing Club conducted a public consultation before submitting the plans, which highlighted a number of concerns from local residents.

In response to potential traffic and parking issues, the club has commissioned a full "travel plan" which includes "a number of measures and initiatives" to reduce pressure on local roads.

To reduce noise, the building would be internally ventilated, for both heating and cooling, to allow the windows to stay shut during use.

In terms of light pollution, although the building would be close to houses at the eastern end of the site, its glazed elements would be at "the furthest possible distance available" from neighbours. The club also welcomes an 8am opening and 10pm closing time (reduced on Sundays and bank holidays).

In terms of ecological impact, an ecology survey of the site reportedly concluded there would be "no impact to the potential badger sett", and other measures have been recommended for other potential species on site.

Click here to see the application.

SEE ALSO: Planning permission sought to raise Exmouth football pitches