The Planning Applications Committee of Lambeth Council met on Tuesday 28 July 2026 to consider a single planning application. The committee resolved to grant conditional planning permission for a temporary change of use at the Mahatma Gandhi Industrial Estate.

Mahatma Gandhi Industrial Estate

The committee granted conditional planning permission for the temporary change of use of Units 3 and 4 of the Mahatma Gandhi Industrial Estate from industrial/storage (Use Class B2/B8) to a community gym and ancillary community outreach space (Use Class E(d)) for a period of two years. This decision represents a departure from the Lambeth Local Plan's Policy ED3, which designates the site as a Key Industrial Business Area (KIBA) reserved for industrial and storage uses.

The application was brought forward by the Block Workout Foundation (BWF), also known as the Brixton Street Gym. BWF currently operates from 10 Somerleyton Road, which is due for redevelopment as part of the Somerleyton Road Phase 2 development. The temporary relocation to the Mahatma Gandhi Industrial Estate is intended to allow BWF to continue its operations without interruption during the construction phase of the Somerleyton Road project, where a permanent space for the gym will be provided.

Officers acknowledged that the proposed use conflicts with policies designed to protect KIBA land for industrial purposes. However, they highlighted significant material considerations that justified granting permission. These included the substantial public benefits provided by BWF, which offers fitness sessions, mentoring, and community engagement for young people and disaffected communities, helping to build confidence and positive networks. The continuity of these services during the Somerleyton Road redevelopment was deemed a crucial factor.

Furthermore, the temporary nature of the permission, limited to two years, and the condition that the permission is personal to the Block Workout Foundation were considered important mitigating factors. This ensures that the site will revert to its industrial use at the end of the period and prevents other gym operators from benefiting from this specific permission.

Councillor Viktor Westerdahl initially questioned the two-year limit, suggesting a longer period might be more appropriate given the scale of the Somerleyton Road development. He proposed an amendment to extend the temporary use to three and a half years. However, this amendment was not seconded and subsequently failed. The committee then voted on the original officer recommendation, which was approved unanimously. The decision was made in accordance with the officer's recommendation to grant conditional planning permission.

The conditions attached to the permission include:

• The use being limited to the Block Workout Foundation for a period of two years from the date of the decision.
• The development being carried out in accordance with approved documents, including the Community Use Management Plan and Gym Acoustic Report.
• The premises being used only for purposes within Use Class E(d).
• Specific operating hours for the gym: 08:00 to 22:00 Monday to Friday, and 08:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
• Adherence to the Community Use Management Plan, which details operational aspects, safeguarding, and community focus.
• Compliance with the recommendations in the Gym Acoustic Report to mitigate noise and vibration impacts.
• Adherence to the site-wide Travel Plan and Transport Management Plan approved under a previous planning permission.
• No car parking being associated with the use of Units 3 and 4 for the duration of the temporary permission.