A NEW health and fitness spa is in the pipeline for Borough Green after a gym chain lodged a planning application.

Reynolds Group, a family-run business, has proposed that the offices of Basted House on Harrison Road, currently used by Russet Homes who are re-locating, be changed to a health club.

The chain already has four other gyms in Kent – in Bexley, Dartford, Rainham and Sittingbourne.

Part of the plan includes extensions to the building to accommodate a swimming pool, changing rooms and beauty treatment rooms.

The application said: "We believe the relatively small extension is justified as it is an essential element of the intended use of the buildings as a health and fitness spa."

The building is on a Green Belt site and a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI). The application said it had "demonstrated that the proposed change of use will not cause any harm or have any adverse impact upon the setting within the Green Belt and SNCI or the surrounding area."

The gym will create 20 jobs with 100 visitors anticipated each day. The 105 parking spaces will not be altered.