Ossett swimming pool operator ordered to shut down after losing appeal
A public swimming pool business run from a private home in Ossett has been ordered to shut down.
Business owner Jon Gardiner lost his appeal against Wakefield Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the facility over noise and traffic safety concerns.
In May 2024, the local authority rejected the proposals which had the support of more than 170 people, while 60 opposed the plan.
At the time, Mr Gardiner said he would challenge the decision after 700 residents signed a petition backing his campaign to remain open.
Mr Gardiner, who operated the Ossett Leisure business from a detached bungalow on Station Road, said he had seen huge interest from members of the public amid a shortage of similar facilities locally.
The facility had been welcoming up to 1,000 swimmers a month, including schools, children’s parties and disability groups since it became available for hire five months earlier.
Mr Gardiner also appealed to the government’s Planning Inspectorate after the council issued an enforcement notice which alleged a breach of planning controls and ordered him to stop hiring out the pool, as well as gym, sauna and spa facilities.
The appeal was dismissed and the enforcement notice upheld after a planning inspector visited the site in February this year.
The inspector’s report said: “I conclude that the development is harmful to the living conditions of the occupants of nearby residential properties with particular reference to noise and disturbance.”
The document said there were “noise sensitive”facilities near to the site, including sheltered housing and retirement homes.
Mr Gardiner submitted a noise impact assessment as part of his legal argument which stated that any noise generated by the business was “so low that it cannot be distinguished from the general background environment.”
The inspector said: “I do not dispute the findings of the noise assessment but, in my judgement and based on the experience of local residents, there is evidence of increased levels of noise and disturbance from the use which is detrimental to living conditions.”
The report also said the scheme had “potential for a number of issues relating to highway safety.”
Speaking in 2024, Mr Gardiner described the council’s decision to reject his application as “appalling.”
He said: “They have not done their due diligence, they have categorically made an unruly decision.
“They are taking resources away and if anyone tries to replace them privately they reject it.”
At the time, Joe Jenkinson, the council’s service director for planning, transportation and strategic highways, said the application was refused due to “insufficient information from the applicant about noise nuisance, concerns about vehicle parking and road safety and about the impact of the development on the conservation area in Ossett.”
Almost 230 people commented on the scheme after it was submitted to the council in January of that year.
Supporters said the premises were ideal for mums with babies, the elderly and people with mobility issues or recovering from injury.
One resident in favour said: “This is a great facility for the local community following the closure of many council and privately run facilities over recent years.
“The pool is fully accessible and inclusive which provides a real benefit to people living in the local area.”
Another said: “My son uses these facilities and has learnt to swim confidently in four weeks. I have never witnessed any traffic or noise pollution when visiting.”
An opponent of the plan said: “This is a residential and conservation area where the majority of people are elderly.
“There has been a significant increase in cars on New Street and noise disturbance since the business started operating.”