A SHOP basement will be converted into a yoga studio, despite concerns about the smell in hot weather.

The Bang & Olufsen shop in Church Road, Hove, will soon host groups of up to ten people for pilates, meditation, tai chi, ante-natal and post-natal classes.

There will no gym equipment and the studio will close by 8pm.

Neighbours raised concerns about noise – and odours – coming from the studio.

Labour councillor Claire Moonan told a planning meeting: “[We] will be closely monitoring this with residents. I am concerned about the space and, by the end of 12 hours, the smells. They will want air conditioning.”

No air conditioning was included in the application.

Conservative councillor Andrew Wealls : “My big concern is a fitness studio operating in temperatures … like those we have seen this summer. Is that realistic?”

He was also concerned about the noise made by people as they arrived for classes and left afterwards.

Labour councillor Penny Gilbey said that she enjoyed the music from exercise classes within five metres of her home.

The plans were approved with conditions.