Flintshire: 'Council red tape' means women's only gym may never open

Kat Jones, from Hawarden, has always inspired to open her very own gym - specifically for women.

And the 37-year-old now has a building in Buckley which she has been kitting out. But the gym may never open its doors to the public due delays by Flintshire Council in putting it on its planning agenda for its planning committee to decide on.

Flintshire Council has said it has not received information needed to validate Kat's application.

Kat, whose business is named Aspire to Inspire Fitness, has launched a petition calling on Flintshire Council to allow her to proceed to open the gym's doors.

It has already gathered over 1,000 signatures.

Kat said: "Lockdown has been hard in itself and I’ve spent two years building this myself, the gym will be great for ladies along with mental health and fitness.

"I have a huge support network, due to an error at Flintshire Council and the goal post constantly being moved - the business is suffering.

"I am already paying service charge and all other bills. If I can't open by February, it never will, as it'll mean paying four months of rent on an empty unit, the business will not survive."

She added: "All I am requiring is a change of use of the building, it is absolutely heartbreaking when I’m trying to better the community. It just seems like local authority red tape.

"I am now having to go out and get another job to save the business, this is my last resort so I’m asking for people's help and support to get this gym open."

You can sign the petition by clicking here. 

A Flintshire Council spokesperson said: "We continue to work and advise the owner on the information required to validate her application and allow it be assessed. 

"The owner is aware of what actions she needs to take and the information required. To date, we are still awaiting that information. When that information is received we will then be able to validate and process her application accordingly."