Key update on plans to open a new martial arts training centre in Blackpool
The planning officer did not accept the points put forward in the application.
Proposals to set up a new martial arts training facility in the Blackpool area have been refused by planners.
A planning application was submitted to Blackpool Council to use premises at 151A Mowbray Drive for the facility, via a Certificate Lawfulness which would mean the scheme would not require planning permission.
Hazel Winter, known in local martial arts circles as a black belt in the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), was listed as the applicant for the scheme.
In 2022, she became Blackpool’s first female BJJ black belt and the latest among only around 40 other female UK practitioners to hold the grade, which requires at least between 10 years of dedicated training to reach the required standard.
The planning agent, acting for the applicant, had argued that the proposed use of the building as a martial arts centre fell under the same use class as the existing building, hence planning permission was not needed.
But the planning officer did not accept this argument.
A supporting document by Lee Fenton Planning Services Ltd, on behalf of the application, stated: “This application is for a certificate of proposed lawful use, submitted on behalf of Ms Hazel Winter for the use of an existing office/retail space as a martial arts training facility.
“Both the existing and proposed uses fall within Class E of the Town and Country Planning Act.
“The application unit has historically operated as a flexible commercial premises and has accommodated a variety of office and retail uses over approximately the last 20 years.
“These uses fall now within Class E of the Use Classes Order. The proposed martial arts training facility similarly falls within Use Class E(d), being “indoor sport, recreation or fitness, principally to visiting members of the public.”
The statement argued that, under the relevant provision of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended), a change of use between uses falling within the same Use Class does not constitute development requiring planning permission.
However, the planning officer reasoned that it had not been clearly demonstrated what the current use class of the premises was, meaning it was difficult to grant a Certificate of Lawfulness.
The building had been split into several premises and its history was confusingly complex.
The officer concluded: “As set out above, it has not been satisfactorily demonstrated that the lawful existing use of the premises falls within Use Class E.
“Therefore, it is not possible to confirm that the use of the premises within Class E(d) would not constitute development requiring planning permission. As such, a Certificate of Lawfulness should be refused.”