A FUNERAL home has objected to a gym being installed above it, saying it will interfere with grieving families.

Mason Partners has filed a planning application to change the use of a building in Market Place, Didcot from its existing retail function so it can be used as a gym.

But the neighbouring Co-Op Funeral Service has objected to the plan, which would see the gym open across two floors from 6am until 10pm every day except Sunday.

Objecting on behalf of the home, Amelia Cook wrote: "I don't believe it is the right thing to overlap over the top of funeral home.

"The families are grieving, and need quiet for chapel visits and the last thing they would want to hear is banging about upstairs when trying to organise a loved ones' funeral and coming to see them.

She added: "There is plenty of space in the new Orchard Centre shops for a gym and not over a funeral home."

In the application Mason Partners stressed the gym would 'provide an additional leisure facility' for the area, bringing jobs and other 'economic benefits.'

It is not currently known which gym company would run the facility.

South Oxfordshire District Council is currently considering the application. Comment using reference P18/S2223/FUL