Two applications to make internal changes to a Front Street building have been given the green light by planning officers.

Separate applications proposed creating a gym and a café at different portions of 129 Front Street, west of King Street.

The first proposed a change of use to convert an interior retail space on the building’s first floor into a gym, along with minor renovations to create shower facilities.

The application by Alchemy was recommended for approval by a technical officer.

A report said: “The department does not consider that the proposed gym will detract from the amenity or character within the surrounding area nor the occupants of the same building.

“As such, the proposal is in alignment with the first objective of the Historic and Retail District since that type of development is encouraged within the locality.”

The DAB also gave the green light to adapt a street-facing retail space in the same building into a new café.

The application, by Take Five Ltd, proposed internal renovations to the building and drawings that were included showed planned seating space both indoors and under the building’s porch.

A technical officer said in a report that the proposed café complied with planning objectives and polices and would not detract from the character of the area, which is a part of the Historic and Retail District.

“Although it is not in the Principal Shopping Area, cafés are still preferred uses on the ground floor of properties within this district in accordance with policy,” the report said.

“With respect to the property being located within the standard on-site parking provision area, it is an existing building with the provision of on-site parking not feasible.

“There is ample public parking in proximity.”

Both planning applications were approved late last month.