A former Halfords superstore could be transformed into an all-day gym with thousands of members.

Developers have launched a bid to transform the shop in Dover into a PureGym - which they say could create the up to 15 new jobs in the town.

The fitness complex would be open 24/7, as it aims to provide a facility for shift workers who may not be able to train during the day.

If given go-ahead, it will sit next to the former Carpetright unit which is to be filled by the Maison Dieu Veterinary Group after plans were green lit by the district council last month.

But a number of locals are urging the authority to snub the vision for the Granville Street site, amid fears it would exacerbate parking issues close by.

Resident Gordon Hay argued: "I am happy that a company are looking at using this building.

"I am just concerned about the noise and also parking.

"I live on Charlton Green and we have already had problems with post office workers making it difficult to exit our garage."

Despite these concerns, the Kent County Council highways officials say there is no reason to refuse the change of use on the grounds of parking.

"There are no highway implications associated with the proposals," the agency's director explained.

"The applicant has demonstrated parking provision for 62 vehicles, which exceeds the minimum requirement of 50.

"I can confirm the surrounding roads to the proposed development have existing parking restrictions.

"Given the on-street restrictions controlling the ability to park on the highway it is not considered that parking associated with the development will have an impact on highway safety."

PureGym operates more than 300 locations across the country and offers membership within a contract.

In papers lodged with the district could, the firm says: "The introduction of a new low-cost gym offering will complement and improve the existing gym provision in the town.

"PureGym is currently not represented within Dover, and therefore the proposal will improve competition and consumer choice locally."

The Maison Dieu Veterinary Group, currently based in Maison Dieu Road, is moving to the ex-Carpetright site as it will "provide a better premises to operate from".

Four new full-time jobs will be created as a result of the switch, taking the total number of employees to 18.