A government inspector has overruled Sandwell Council to allow a 24-hour gym to open in part of the former Trident Steelworks in Albion Road, West Bromwich. The council had rejected the proposal by D1 Gyms last year, arguing it clashed with its ambition to use the land for employment. However, inspector Chris Couper overturned the decision after an appeal, highlighting the gym's health benefits for a community where obesity and inactivity are above national averages.
Health benefits cited as key factor
In his report, Couper stated: “As well as catering to the needs of athletes travelling from further afield, I have no cogent reason to doubt that the gym could provide a facility for the local community, which would be within easy walking or cycling distance of existing and proposed housing, and which would include fitness activities and exercise classes to help improve their general health and well-being.” He added: “This is a significant benefit given that Sandwell scores below the national average on a number of health, activity and obesity indices.”
Site history and planning context
The 19-acre site has been earmarked for more than 740 homes in Sandwell Council's plans since 2012, but development has not materialised. The warehouse that would house the gym has been vacant since 2023. The site is also designated as employment land in the emerging Sandwell local plan, which outlines preferred developments up to 2041, but this plan is still under review and has not been formally published.
A statement from D1 Gyms accompanying the application said: “The proposal seeks to repurpose the warehouse into a gymnasium, providing a range of fitness facilities including open-plan exercise areas, changing rooms, and ancillary spaces such as a reception. The existing building is ideally suited and directly adaptable for this purpose with no works to its structure required.”
Jobs and community impact
The inspector noted that the gym would bring jobs and could be incorporated into any wider future housing or employment plans by the council. The decision marks a victory for the fitness firm and residents who have limited access to such facilities in an area with significant health challenges.
