A 24/7 gym company could be set to open a new facility in Andover - opposite a McDonalds.

Snap Fitness is said to be interested in taking over a currently vacant retail unit, next to the fast food chain’s New Street restaurant.

The American-based fitness company, which operates 25 facilities across the UK, wants to convert the two floor building into a new all purpose gym, with a fitness studio, cardio and weights areas.

Snap Fitness also plan to provide customer lockers, showers and a reception area.

But the all-day every-day gym company will not be allowed to open 24/7 under plans submitted by agents Salisbury Jones Planning.

The representatives originally submitted plans for a 24/7 gym, but later withdrew them following objections from Test Valley Borough Council’s planning department.

However Salisbury Jones Planning has now lodged a revised application, which includes opening hours of 6am and 11pm, seven days a week.

The updated plans have been given the thumbs up by council chiefs, who have recommended the proposals be approved by the Northern Area Planning Committee on Thursday.

The application is likely to be met with strong opposition however, with some neighbouring residents and councillors vocally opposing the plans.

Hampshire County Council representative for the area, councillor Tim Rolt, has raised major concerns about the noise levels from the gym, while also slamming a lack of consultation with residents.

He said: “The site is totally inappropriate because of the likely noise level from the music accompanying the exercise, especially bass frequencies.

“With its existing ‘retail’ permission, it is difficult to see how the building would be viable and even less so with the proposed ‘gym’, given the fact that the current parking spaces are very well patronised by McDonalds’ customers already.

“It is totally unfair to existing residents, many of whom didn’t object to the original application because in being ‘retail’, any likely noise would probably be much less and for a much reduced time period.

“The level of consultation was completely inadequate, verging on disgraceful; TVBC hardly let any householders in the area know only reinforcing the general view of the public that such consultations seem to be a sham and that the ‘authorities’ have made up their mind already.”

Donna Buckland, who lives near to the site, also raised major concerns about noise levels from the gym.

In her objection to TVBC, she said: “My main concern is with the noise levels associated with the proposed usage.

“I live in close proximity to the facility and I have huge concerns around the noise levels of the group fitness classes.

“The music associated with these classes, as well as the directions being shouted by the instructor, can be heard for quite a distance.”

TVBC have responded to concerns about noise by adding a condition that the gym cannot have group classes or training sessions until they submit further proof that the building can contain the higher level of sound.

The authority has also ordered all windows and doors within the unit should be shut during operation, except for emergency exit purposes.