Plans revealed for new martial arts training centre in Blackpool

Proposals are in the pipeline to set up a new martial arts training facility in the Blackpool area – if planners give the project the green light.

An application has been submitted to Blackpool Council to use premises at 151A Mowbray Drive for the facility, via a Certificate Lawfulness which would mean the scheme would not require planning permission.

The applicant is listed as Hazel Winter, known in local martial arts circles as a black belt in the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

In 2022, she became Blackpool’s first female BJJ black belt and the latest among only around 40 other female UK practitioners to hold the grade, which requires at least between 10 years of dedicated training to reach the required standard.

A supporting document by Lee Fenton Planning Services Ltd, on behalf of the application, states: “This application is for a certificate of proposed lawful use, submitted on behalf of Ms Hazel Winter for the use of an existing office / retail space as a martial arts training facility.

“Both the existing and proposed uses fall within Class E of the Town and Country Planning.

“The application unit has historically operated as a flexible commercial premises and has accommodated a variety of office and retail uses over approximately the last 20 years.

“These uses fall now within Class E of the Use Classes Order. The proposed martial arts training facility similarly falls within Use Class E(d), being “indoor sport, recreation or fitness, principally to visiting members of the public.”

The statement argues that, under the relevant provision of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended), a change of use between uses falling within the same Use Class does not constitute development requiring planning permission.

It adds: “Accordingly, it is respectfully submitted that the proposed use of the application unit as a martial arts training facility within Use Class E(d) is lawful and that a Certificate of Proposed Lawful Use should therefore be granted.”