AMBITIOUS plans for a £20m leisure centre in a Northumberland town look set to be given the green light next month.
The new centre in the heart of Ashington is being recommended for approval by planners after not a single objection was received by any of 14 statutory consultees or the public.
The county council planning committee meets in Morpeth to make a decision on January 8.
But from 163 formal notifications issued, no objections have been made and only one nearby resident has raised concerns about the possibility of increased traffic. The new Ashington Community and Leisure Facility would be situated on the former Asda supermarket site in Lintonville.
It would replace the existing leisure centre at Institute Road as well as the town’s library and registrar services.
The plan is being driven forward by the council-linked regeneration company Arch Development Projects Ltd, which has its base in Ashington.
The county council has made a “significant” financial contribution to the centre, which will feature a new swimming pool, gym, spa, sports hall and a studio space which will host classes and activities.
The leisure centre has been the subject of a major public consultation, with over 2,000 people and organisations providing feedback on what they would like to see in the new unit. Arch Group managing director Peter McIntyre said that the centre would act as a catalyst for further improvements to Ashington town centre.
