Following complaints by neighbours about noise from its classes, a pilates studio has been refused planning permission.
The studio on Dalkeith High Street applied for retrospective permission for a change of use from an office to the exercise studio, however Midlothian planners received 14 letters objecting to the plans.
And a report by officers revealed there were three ongoing complaints from neighbours about noise coming from the studio’s early morning classes.
It said: “The council’s senior manager protective services confirmed that they currently have three complaints from nearby properties, all of whom raise issues of noise from the studio affecting their properties, in particular between 6am and 8am or when the windows are open.
“The council’s senior manager protective services arranged for a Matron Noise Monitor to be installed at the complainant’s property between the 26 May 2026 until the 8 June 2026 and noted that the findings reflect the concerns
raised by the complainants.”
Dalkeith and District Community Council objected to the change of use saying it was concerned about the impact of noise on nearby residents and traffic.
The officers report said objectors also raised concerns about the noise from music and shouting which had been ongoing ‘for some time’.
They also said vibrations from the classes were also affecting neighbouring residents as well as noise from people attending classes from 6am.
A supporting statement provided to planners was later withdrawn on the instructions of the applicant’s agent leaving them with not enough information about hours of operation, number of people attending classes or the impact of the use.
Refusing permission for the change of use, officers said it was not possible to assess the change of use without further information.
They said: “It has not been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that the use of the property, the subject of this planning application, can operate without significant adverse impact upon the established character or amenity of the area, and in particular residential amenity.”
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
