The Gym Group, which runs more than 250 gyms nationwide, said it needs the extra space to operate. The Gym Group said planning documents show about 35 per cent of its members are first-time gym users. The company said the Salisbury gym would widen access to low-cost fitness and improve health and wellbeing. Salisbury City Council backed the plans and no public objections were recorded during consultation. The gym will sit near Lidl, Sports Direct and Waitrose, about 650 metres from Salisbury city centre.