A NEW super-gym will be created in Basildon, along with 28 jobs, after plans were surprisingly passed to transform a huge warehouse.

Councillors defied their officers’ recommendations to reject the proposals, and instead granted Harlow-based Ripped Gym permission to open up in Harvey Road, on the Burnt Mills Industrial Estate.

They will now carry out a £400,000 re-fit of a disused industrial unit which spans 10,000 square metres and will specialise in heavy weights, bodybuilding contests and will also have a boxing ring.

Basildon Council officers wanted the application thrown out, as planning policy dictates an industrial unit would be unsuitable for leisure uses.

But the lure of 28 jobs – 15 full time and 13 part-time – plus the fact the unit has been empty since March 2012, swung the deal for councillors.

Geoff Williams, who represents the Liberal Democrats on the committee, said: “If we turn this down we will be doing a great disservice to the town.”

Labour’s Alan Bennett added: “We want to attract businesses, yet we are considering kicking out a respectable business that wants to bring back a dilapidated unit.”

Councillors were a little fearful they would set a precedent in allowing an industrial unit to be redeveloped for another use.

Basildon Council’s Development Control Committee granted conditional planning permission providing gym bosses agreed with council officials to keep it as a gym – and not open another business there.

Ripped Gym aims to be upand- running in February or March next year.

Its other Harlow base attracts athletes from Kent and London, and some of the dumbbells and ropes on offer in Basildon will top 100kg.

Jed Griffiths, from planning agents Griffiths Environmental Planning, made an impassioned plea to councillors before the meeting. He said: “This will bring a unique sporting facility to the borough and it is an opportunity that should not be passed up.”

Tory Stuart Allen said: “On the balance of things, I see no reason to not pass this application.”