A CATERHAM martial arts club is spreading its wings – and moving four miles to a former candle warehouse.
The Carlson Gracie Surrey Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy has got the green light from the council to switch next month from its "cramped" premises in Caterham to a new base off Tithe Pit Shaw Lane in Warlingham.
Planning permission has initially been limited to one year, as the council establishes whether the change of use causes problems for near-neighbours.
The club has about 30 members in its martial arts or fitness training sections, ranging in age from 14 to mid-50s.
The club's planning agent, Andrew Steen, said: "The club has been seeking to relocate from its present location in Essendene Road, Caterham, because its membership has grown and it needs more space.
"There are also plans for after-school activities and working with local schools."
The new site is a soon-to-be renovated two-floor warehouse at the former Warlingham Court Farm.
After receiving news of the council's go-ahead, co-owner David Pawan, a 31-year-old brown belt, said: "This will enable us to put on more classes. We plan to offer sessions in judo and Olympic freestyle wrestling."
The ground floor of the club's new home will used for fitness training classes, while the first floor will be a matted area dedicated to martial arts.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is similar to judo, involving throws and grappling.
Surrey Wildlife Trust raised no objection to the plan, saying the proposed development was unlikely to significantly affect any important habitat or species.
Tandridge District Council's director of planning, Piers Mason, said: "It is recommended that planning permission be granted for a temporary period of one year, requiring the use to be contained within the building.
"This is on the grounds that the proposal has the potential to result in indue harm to neighbouring residential units from noise and disturbance from the proposed use, and from arriving and departing vehicles."
Other restrictions over the planning consent are that the premises should solely be used for martial arts and fitness classes, and opening hours should be set.
These are 7am to 10pm Mondays to Fridays, 8.30am to 6pm on Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
