FITNESS fanatics have cause for celebration after planning chiefs gave the go-ahead for a new “super gym” — but there has been a compromise on opening hours.

A decision on proposals to create a 24-hour gym at Farnworth Indoor Market were deferred by Bolton Council’s planning committee last month due to concerns over late night noise disturbance.

But fitness entrepreneur Marcus Biggar — the man behind the new venture — has agreed to alternative opening hours.

The gym will now open from 6am until 11pm between Monday and Saturday and 7am until 11pm on Sundays.

Cllr Nick Peel moved the application for approval after Mr Biggar indicated he was happy to accept the new opening hours.

He said that nearby residents “deserve some peace and quiet like everyone else, midnight was a bit excessive.”

And Cllr Debbie Newall, who had concerns over 24-hour opening praised Mr Biggar. She said: “I’m really pleased we have come to an agreement about this. I would like to commend the applicant, he has been very amenable”.

Speaking to The Bolton News after the meeting, Mr Biggar said he was gathering evidence in a bid to attain 24-hour opening before or shortly after the gym opens.

He said he was hopeful this would gain approval as "councillors were only divided on the decision as it was unknown if opening overnight would affect residents on the adjacent street."

He added: "It is worth noting that The Gym group are permitted to operate 24hrs on a very similar layout to residential areas."