News / fishponds
‘Illegal’ gym causing despair for residents
Residents have claimed their lives have been turned upside down by “thumping” music playing from morning until night by a new gym described as “for the community”.
Kulture Training Club opened its doors to the public in July and has since experienced such early success that the business has transitioned to a waiting list system for new members due to demand.
However, after opening in the former car dealership in Fishponds, the gym was accused of operating without proper planning permission from Bristol City Council.
Meanwhile, neighbours have grown increasingly frustrated with noise described as “tribal drumming,” likened to a festival, as gym-goers participate in weightlifting and classes.
Kulture Training Club did not respond to a requests for a comment by Bristol24/7.
The streets surrounding Kulture Training Club are mostly residential – photo: Betty Woolerton
Kulture is located on Lower Station Road, an industrial area bordering residential streets, including Tyndale Road and Brook Road, and several rear gardens as well as a retirement home.
Council planning records show that Kulture’s change of use application to convert the space into a gym was denied by the council on July 15, ten days after it opened.
The reasons cited for the refusal were issues related to waste storage, parking, noise and environmental sustainability.
The gym has submitted a revised change of use planning application which is currently being consulted on.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said they “just want the noise to end”.
“Even low noise gym activity creates a rumbling hum that pervades people’s homes and gardens.
“For most of this summer, this has made people stressed, lose sleep and lack concentration when working from home, and some people are very distressed indeed as the noise impacts existing health conditions.”
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On its website, Kulture is described as a gym “where every detail is designed to inspire real progress, real people and a supportive community”.
It was founded by a married couple, Lisa and Romane Lanceford, who both have millions of followers on Instagram.
The gym offers premium facilities, such as a sauna, two plunge pools, a coffee shop, a running club and Hyrox training classes.
Louis Martin and Al Al-Maghrabi are Labour councillors for Frome Vale ward, which is bordered by the M32 to the north and includes Fishponds and Broomhill – photo: Al Al-Maghrabi
In a joint statement, Labour councillors for Frome Vale, Louis Martin and Al Al-Maghrabi, said: “We’re usually delighted to see new businesses open in Frome Vale, especially those which encourage healthy living like this gym does.
“However, business needs to play by the rules. If its planning application has been rejected, this gym should not be allowed to open – it’s as simple as that.
“Residents are rightfully enraged about having their lives turned upside-down, being woken up at the crack of dawn by loud music pumping out of the gym right into their back gardens, and going on through the day.”
Bristol City Council said enforcement and pollution control officers are investigating potential planning breaches.
All photos: Betty Woolerton
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