Plans for Coleraine physiotherapy and sports therapy facility submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Council

The application, by Atlantic Vitality Ltd trading as Portrush Physiotherapy, is for Unit 4f Cloyfin Business Park, 48 Cloyfin Road, Coleraine.

Planning permission is sought for a “change of use and internal reconfiguration of existing gym premises to provide a physiotherapy and sports therapy facility, including retention of existing gym and sports therapy facilities, provision of additional treatment and rehabilitation facilities, and insertion of a first floor within the existing building”.

A Planning Statement said: “The proposal represents the evolution and expansion of the established gym, fitness and sports therapy use, introducing additional physiotherapy, sports therapy and rehabilitation facilities while retaining the existing gym and sports therapy elements.

"The development will provide three physiotherapy treatment rooms, retain the existing sports therapy treatment room, retain the existing gym and provide a smaller rehabilitation and sports therapy gym, together with reception, administration, staff and associated facilities.

"The proposal makes efficient use of the existing commercial premises through the introduction of a first floor within the existing building shell. There is no outward extension of the building, with external alterations principally limited to new windows at ground and first-floor level.

"The proposal will facilitate the expansion of Portrush Physiotherapy, allowing the business to expand its services and provide opportunities for additional employment while offering an integrated facility for physiotherapy, sports therapy, rehabilitation and associated fitness activities.

"The appointment-based nature of the principal use will provide a controlled pattern of occupation and activity, while the gym and rehabilitation facilities will form an integral part of the wider facility, supporting patient treatment, rehabilitation, recovery and sports conditioning.

"The proposal therefore represents a sustainable and appropriate reuse of an existing commercial building and a logical evolution and expansion of the established health, fitness and therapy-related use of the premises. It will support local employment and business growth without requiring an outward extension of the building or additional access and parking provision.”

The application will now go before the Planning Committee of Causeway Coast and Glens Council for consideration.