The plans submitted to Stockton Council say the small-scale business has helped people with pain and health conditions
Pevensey Close, Ingleby Barwick.(Image: Google)
A ‘genuine lifeline’ Ingleby fitness and wellbeing firm hopes to stay with a retrospective plan submitted to Stockton Council.
Harry Worrow at TAGFIT UK Ltd has applied for retrospective planning permission for the outbuilding, including the change of use to a fitness and wellbeing business, on Pevensey Close, Ingleby Barwick. It is proposed to keep on using the building at the semi-detached house for the small-scale business, said to have helped people living with conditions including motor neurone disease and an incurable brain tumour.
A planning statement from Maple Planning and Development Ltd states: “The facility provides an important service within the local community for people who need a more individual and specialist approach to movement and exercise. The applicant has supported clients experiencing issues such as back pain, knee pain, reduced mobility and more complex conditions, including motor neurone disease.
“In some cases, this support has helped individuals improve their mobility, confidence and quality of life at a time when they had few suitable alternatives. For some individuals, this facility is a genuine lifeline, particularly when they have exhausted other treatment or exercise options and need careful, one-to-one support to maintain their mobility, independence and wellbeing.
“For four years, the applicant has supported many people across the Teesside community and has consistently received positive feedback for the care and service provided. Clients have reported improvements in mobility, mental wellbeing, physical activity, quality of life and, in some cases, a reduced reliance on passive remedies.”
The application quotes an occupational therapist who was told she had broken her back, but made a recovery using TAGFIT’s service which was “nothing short of incredible and exceeded conservative outcomes. I am now free of a wheelchair, going on long walks and back to my beloved weightlifting.
“I have recommended and will continue to recommend Harry’s service to friends, family, and have encouraged him to seek formal clinical pathway referrals. I wish Harry’s services were available for all patients with neurological, chronic pain and musculoskeletal services to enable them to live full and healthy lives.”
The statement says the “modestly proportioned” flat-roofed outbuilding was built to the side of the house in 2020 to 2021: “The applicant did not appreciate that planning permission was required for the outbuilding. It has been in situ for four plus years without (until very recently) any complaint.
“This application proposes the retention of the outbuilding as erected, and its continued use as a fitness and wellbeing business. The building was originally constructed for personal use, during the period of Covid-related restrictions, when the local gyms (where the applicant worked) were closed.
“Over time, the space evolved naturally into a small-scale facility that now supports both personal and business use. The application is for planning permission to retain the building for that use.”
The statement says the business runs 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday strictly by appointment, typically with two to three appointments of up to 90 minutes per day. It adds: “Neighbours were made aware of the building and its use when it was first established. Its continued operation has demonstrated that it can function without adverse impact on residential amenity.”
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