A COTTAGE at Sunninghill Park is set to be converted into a gym after the council gave a planning application the green light.

The ‘Old Dairy Cottage’ will transform into a facility with a yoga and pilates studio, a free weights room and a spin studio at the countryside site.

A planning application submitted on behalf of Arete Lifestyle Limited read: “The proposed works will provide notable enhancement to the existing building’s appearance and build quality, whilst retaining and enhancing the rural and agricultural character of the buildings and the wider site.

“The proposal will provide a notable enhancement to the existing building and will respect the openness and natural character of the Green Belt.”

According to the planning statement, the buildings have been unused for a number of years and are in a poor state of repair, meaning the planned works “will provide a high-quality gym and fitness centre” in order to “ensure the site’s long-term use.”

In addition to the new fitness studios, a physiotherapy room, staff facilities and changing rooms are planned for the site, with 48 car parking spaces accommodating the new gym.

Prior approval was granted for the proposals by the council in October 2018 but now the authority has given the applicant the final go-ahead for the conversion.

The site is situated approximately 1km to the northwest of Cheapside, and approximately 2.3km to the northeast of Ascot, and is within walking distance of two hail-and-ride bus stops providing access to the local area.

Sunninghill Park has been in agricultural use since at least 1869 and has now been vacant for a number of years.

A derelict mansion was based at the Park before it was demolished in December 2013.