REPLACING a “community gym” with 13 flats would be a “real loss” to Sandhurst, according to one resident.

Foundation Fitness Club in College Town would make way for the new homes if Bracknell Forest Council’s planning bosses give the proposal the green light on Thursday (July 18).

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But Zoe, a regular gym-goer from Owlsmoor, told the News: “It is really is a community gym and when you go you know everyone down there.

“Me and my family have been going to that gym for years.

“I think it would be a real loss to see it go.

“You feel really confident when you go there and we don’t really have any other gyms around here.”

Nine of the homes would be one-bedroom spaces and four would be two-bedroom apartments.

Six residents have sent BFC objections to the plans, with most outlining fears about the ‘overbearing’ design of the homes, the loss of gym services – which are said to be used by 1,000 members – and overdevelopment in the area.

Cavendish Park Residents Association (CPRA) objected to the application, citing concerns with privacy given “several of our homes are already subject to clear line of vision from the windows of the gym”.

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Zoe shared these concerns, adding: “There are so many developments in the area already so I think we don’t really need anymore.

“I don’t really understand why people would want to do this.”

Developers hope the new homes will “create a vibrant and sustainable scheme” and despite opposition, BFC also received three letters of support from neighbours.

Those calling for the application to go through suggest the new homes would benefit the local economy, would improve the character of the area and would make good use of the space available.

According to documents, 17 parking spaces will join the apartments, with three visitor spaces also added.

Sandhurst Town Council told BFC it did not object to the plans.

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Officers have advised councillors to give the go-ahead to the scheme, and a final decision will be made on Thursday, July 18.