DUNFERMLINE, October 12 – Residents of Dunfermline’s Linen Quarter development have expressed their exasperation over enduring what they describe as “unbearable” noise disturbance for over four months. The source of their frustration is Pilmuir Fitness 10, a gym that commenced operations within the property earlier this year, causing distress to those residing in the vicinity.
One concerned homeowner, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed to the Press that the gym’s presence has turned her life into a “nightmare,” asserting that the building was never intended for such a use. She went on to elaborate that the noise emanating from the gym reaches her flat as early as 6 a.m., disrupting her daily routines.
“The gym within the Linen Quarter is causing noise disturbance to residents. It started operation in May but there was never planning permission for a gym,” she emphasized. “It is a bootcamp gym with classes featuring loud music that permeates through the building’s structure, rendering life unbearable. Classes begin as early as 6 a.m. and continue until 9 p.m. I contacted environmental health for four months, but they try to push it under the carpet. My life is a nightmare; I bought a flat, and now this is impacting my mental health. I work shifts, and I can’t sleep during the day.”
Pilmuir Fitness 10 opened its doors on May 12, but Byzantian Developments Limited, the company responsible for the renovation of the Grade A listed Pilmuir Works, recently submitted an application to Fife Council for retrospective planning permission to utilize the space for leisure purposes. They had initially assumed that use classifications were covered under the original planning approval for the site. However, an enforcement officer’s inspection revealed that a new application was necessary.
The initial plans included Class 1 (shops), Class 2 (financial, professional, and other services), and Class 10 (non-residential institutions like a crèche, library, or religious space). A gym, in contrast, falls under Class 11 (assembly and leisure use), which also includes provisions for swimming baths and dance halls.
The Linen Quarter resident continued to express her concerns regarding the situation, stating, “The value of my property is decreasing, and they are well aware that they are operating without permission. They claim that, based on their measurements, the music volume is within acceptable limits. However, it’s apparent that the building is ill-suited to contain the noise. After numerous complaints, they are now attempting to seek approval covertly. We have endured the intolerable noise for four months, and with winter approaching, more people will be staying at home. My family cannot stay, and I can’t even invite friends.”
