Wandsworth Council has approved plans to give London's first outdoor CrossFit gym a permanent home at Rosslyn Park FC's grounds, ending more than four years of uncertainty after enforcement action was taken against the club. The decision follows a planning application that attracted 435 letters of support, with only 47 objections.
Background and Enforcement History
The gym was originally installed at a different location on the club's grounds without planning permission, leading Wandsworth Council to issue an enforcement notice in 2022. The club lost an appeal against this notice in 2024 and subsequently removed the gym. The site is designated as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), which carries similar protection from inappropriate development as the green belt.
To address the situation, the club applied to demolish an office building on the grounds to create a new permanent home for the gym, serving both members and the local community. The application received overwhelming support, with letters highlighting the gym's importance for health, training, mental wellbeing, and community networks.
Support and Concerns
One gym member commented: "This proposal is about far more than a building. It is about protecting local jobs, supporting small businesses and providing a welcoming space where people can improve their physical and mental health."
However, 47 objections were also submitted, with residents raising concerns about noise, impact on neighbouring homes, traffic, and development on MOL. Council officers considered these issues and imposed conditions on the approval, including requiring independent consultants to assess noise from the gym and take action to reduce it if necessary.
Conditions and Community Impact
As part of the approval, more than half of the gym's annual operating hours must be reserved for use by the club's rugby team. This condition ensures the development meets an exception that allows facilities supporting outdoor sports on MOL.
Planning documents noted that in its previous location, the gym was the principal training facility for the club's playing members and also provided training for approximately 120 non-members, split equally between men and women. The gym contributed significantly to the club's financial viability.
The gym's website states it is London's first outdoor CrossFit gym, with all classes suitable for beginners. The gym will operate from 6am to 8pm on Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 11am on Saturdays, and 9am to 11am on Sundays.
