A GYM wants to stay open for 24 hours, so that 'it can compete with its rivals'.

Feel Fit Gym in Templars Square Shopping Centre could never close, if the plans to remove one of the conditions on the building is given the green light by Oxford City Council.

As it is, the gym opens at 7am and closes at 11pm.

Feel Fit Gym has been active since 2010, and in 2015 was subject to a £1million renovation.

Later in the year, plans were then given the thumbs up by the council for a new gym in the retail unit opposite Feel Fit Gym.

That site is now a Pure Gym chain, which is open 24 hours a day.

Planners wrote in the application for the removal of the restriction that being open 24 hours a day too, will mean that Feel Fit Gym can compete with Pure Gym.

They also said that a large number of its members are shift workers who want access to its new revamped facilities at any time of the day.

Adding that the gym should be given a trial period for 12 months.

During the suggested period, local residents who might not like the plan will keep a watchful eye on the operations of the site and offer feedback on the situation before permanent permission for a 24 hour opening are granted.

They also said that the shopping centre is not near any houses.