Back to drawing board for plans to convert former library into gym

CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert the historic former Bideford Library into a gym with solar panels and air source heat pumps are going back to the drawing board because of concerns over visual and noise impacts.

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The change of use of the building which is part of the Grade II-listed town hall complex into a multi functional sports and fitness facility was approved in principle last July but councillors are not happy with detailed plans which they say would be detrimental to the heritage asset and amenity of residents.

At a planning committee meeting of Torridge District Council last week resident Mark Simmons, speaking on behalf of the residents of Church Walk and Tower Street, said the library and town hall were the town’s “Instagram photo opp” and the featured image on the Visit Devon website.