A CHARITY has reacted angrily to plans to base a new yoga studio in a building where survivors of childhood sexual abuse are receiving counselling.

Plans have been submitted to change part of Ling House at Canmore Street from a hair salon to a studio for yoga and pilates.

But the basement office of the building is used by charity Safe Space, who are fighting the plans.

Funded by Fife Council, they work with survivors of childhood sexual abuse providing counselling of a very specialised nature to people who have suffered trauma.

Ann Donnan said: “Our premises sit directly below the proposed yoga studio which will have noise from people moving around as well as music.

“Our clients require quiet due to the very nature of trauma and ongoing noise, as well as sudden noises, will create huge problems for clients undertaking counselling.

“At present, we take huge steps to soundproof our premises to mitigate against noise within our own building, but we could not control noise from a yoga studio upstairs.

“A yoga studio would create huge problems for our work with vulnerable clients.”

Under the proposals, two large rooms in the property would be used by three to four freelance instructors throughout the week but they would not use the premises at the same time.

Three treatment rooms would also be available for freelance therapists.

The proposed operating hours of the property would be: Monday-Thursdays, 6am-9pm; Fridays, 6am-4pm; weekends 9am-4pm.

A planning statement reads: “Between the hours of 6am and 9am there would be no music played at all on the property.

“Any classes this early would be silent.

"No microphones are to be used at any time.”