New gym and camping shop to open near Horns Bridge roundabout

Xercise4Less and Go Outdoors will occupy two empty units at Spire Walk Business Park, where Toys R Us and B&Q are based.

Chesterfield Borough Council this week granted conditional permission to the plans.

In the planning application about the Xercise4Less gym, the council states: "The proposal would generate employment and would enhance choice and opportunity for participation in physical activity to the benefit of the borough's health and wellbeing.

"It is unlikely that the proposal will significantly impact on existing and planned health and fitness uses within the borough."

The Go Outdoors' application states: "The proposal is likely to result in a degree of 'retail spending clawback' from the well-established Sheffield Go Outdoors and otherwise will enhance the variety of the borough's retail offer.

"There is no reason to believe that the opening of a Go Outdoors store would have a significant adverse impact on Chesterfield town centre as it would not be competing with the majority of town centre stores if properly controlled through conditions."

A planning document stated the development 'will not have a material impact on the operational performance of the highway network' - amid long-running concerns about heavy traffic around that area of the town.

Architects Bowman Riley added: "It is anticipated that once completed, the existing and proposed elements of the buildings will visually merge together to create a cohesive yet vibrant new retail and leisure park."

Toys R Us and B&Q will not be affected by the development, which must be completed within three years.

The news comes just a few months after it was announced that a new Ford car showroom will be built nearby.

Work is currently taking place to prepare the derelict stretch of land opposite the Alma Leisure Park for that development.