Change of use to trampoline park & leisure facilities in Manchester

Planning Permission for Leisure Businesses: Challenges and Opportunities

Leisure businesses, such as trampoline parks, activity centres, and other entertainment venues, play a vital role in the UK’s economy and community life. However, establishing these businesses often requires navigating a complex planning permission process. From addressing local council policies to ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards, the journey can be challenging.

Why Do Leisure Businesses Require Planning Permission?

Leisure businesses typically fall under specific use classes in the UK planning system. Historically, these businesses were classified under Class D2 (Assembly and Leisure), which included cinemas, sports facilities, and dance halls. However, the 2020 reforms to the use class system introduced significant changes. Many leisure activities were reclassified under sui generis, meaning they no longer fit into a specific use class and require full planning permission for any change of use.

This reclassification aims to protect community and cultural venues, such as cinemas and live music spaces, from being easily converted into other uses. While this ensures the preservation of key community assets, it also means that leisure businesses must navigate stricter planning controls.

Key Challenges in Securing Planning Permission

1. Noise and Environmental Impact: Leisure venues, such as trampoline parks, can generate significant noise. Applicants must demonstrate that measures are in place to mitigate noise pollution and address environmental concerns.
2. Traffic and Accessibility: Ensuring that the location is accessible and does not disrupt local traffic patterns is critical. Adequate parking and safe entry/exit points are often required. The case study above had to provide space for 100 parking spaces and bikes. 4D Planning produced a comprehensive Transport Assessment and Travel Plan.
3. Community Engagement: Local residents and councils may raise concerns about the impact of a leisure business on the surrounding area. Proactively engaging with the community can help address these concerns and build support for the project.
4. Compliance with Local Policies: Each local authority has specific planning policies that must be adhered to, including considerations for biodiversity, conservation, and urban design. In this project Manchester City Council has a policy requiring out of town developments to provide a Sequential Approach Test Report. We produced this in house and proved that this premises was the most suitable in this location as there was no available alternative in any other out of town location. The council approved our report and findings.

Kick Air Manchester: A Case Study in Leisure (Trampoline Park) Business Success

Kick Air Manchester, one of the largest indoor freestyle trampoline parks in the North West, is a prime example of a successful leisure business. Located near Manchester Arena, this £1.5 million development transformed a former warehouse into a vibrant activity hub.

Did you know, Kick Air is home to the UK’s only licensed Robokeeper, a robotic goalkeeper that has challenged football stars like Lionel Messi and Neymar? The park offers trampolining, ninja warrior courses, climbing walls, and even a "Kick Zone" with football-themed challenges like Speedgoal and Kick Darts. With a dedicated soft play area for younger children, Kick Air caters to visitors of all ages, making it a popular destination for families. Kick Air’s success highlights the importance of thorough planning and innovative design in creating a leisure venue that meets both business goals and community needs.

How 4D Planning Can Help

4D Planning is a Chartered Planning Consultancy with extensive experience in securing planning permission for leisure businesses. Their team of experts offers a comprehensive range of services, including Site Surveys and Appraisals, Architectural Planning Drawings, Planning Documentation & Community Engagement.

4D Planning’s expertise extends to handling complex planning issues, such as noise mitigation, traffic management, and compliance with local policies. Their client-focused approach ensures that each project is tailored to meet specific needs, increasing the likelihood of a successful application.

Securing planning permission for leisure businesses can be a complex process, but with the right expertise, it is possible to overcome challenges and create thriving venues. Kick Air Manchester’s success demonstrates the potential of well-planned leisure projects to transform spaces and enrich communities. With 4D Planning’s guidance, leisure businesses can navigate the planning system with confidence, ensuring compliance while achieving their vision. Whether you’re planning a trampoline park, activity centre, cinema or any other leisure venue, 4D Planning is your trusted partner in turning ideas into reality.