A Frome manufacturer will be able to create new jobs by expanding its premises – despite concerns about the noise impact on nearby residents.

Watsons Gym Equipment has been producing gym paraphernalia since 1999, and has been based on the Commerce Park near the A361 since 2008.

The company has applied to extend its existing premises on Imperial Way, with the coronavirus pandemic leading to a rise in demand for home exercise equipment.

Mendip District Council has now approved the expansion, which could create up to 22 jobs over the next 12 months.

Company founder and owner Simon Watson addressed the council's planning board when it met virtually on Wednesday evening (October 21).

He said: "When lockdown started, the need for home equipment dramatically increased, and the general awareness and importance of health and well-being for people of all ages has been massively highlighted.

"Being physically active for at least 30 minutes today is something the government supports and promotes."

The new building would service as the company's machine shop, cutting raw materials into components so they can be assembled into new equipment on-site, meaning fewer vehicle movements to and from the site each week.

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The company currently employs 54 people, with the expansion allowing them to hire 12 new people upon its completion and a further ten people in the ensuing 12 months.

Councillor Adam Boyden, whose Frome College ward borders the site, said nearby residents had raised concerns about the noise levels the new building would produce.

He said: "Some 28 residents neighbouring the park, along with the Coalway Lane residents' association, have objected.

"Residents are concerned that noise will be emitted to the detriment of their residential amenity."

Planning consultant Geraint Jones said these concerns were covered by conditions imposed when outline plans for Commerce Park were approved.

He said: "There are agreed maximum noise limits, and a management company takes regular measurements of noise levels. They act as the point of contact for the residents' association.

"The site can continue to operate within the noise limits set by the outline application."

Councillor Heather Shearer added: "I'm pleased to see a business doing well – that's always nice.

"I have sympathy always with neighbours being concerned about noise, but there's a lot of mitigation there for that."

The planning board voted unanimously to approve the plans after around an hour's debate.