LEISURE club David Lloyd will be opening in Colchester after its planning application was unanimously approved.

Construction work at the site, next to the Weston Homes Community Stadium, is due to begin at the end of this year and the facility will open late next year.

The site will include five outdoor tennis courts, covered by a dome in the winter, swimming pools, a gym, studios and a clubhouse.

There will also be a multi-use games area, which will be available to non-members.

Colchester Council’s planning committee approved the application.

Peter Chillingworth, councillor for Great Tey, said: “This is a substantial development and there is a very large building involved.

“I thought the design of the building was very interesting, as well as being as far as it can be unobtrusive.”

During the planning meeting, councillors raised concerns about the destruction of hedgerows.

The centre is the first part of the Northern Gateway development to be approved in what the council hopes will become a large new leisure area.

The committee unanimously voted to grant permission, with a few conditions including signing a Section 106 agreement stating the multi-use games area can be used by Colchester Council for free at certain times.

Bill Frame, councillor responsible for planning, said: “David Lloyd Leisure is a prestigious, nationally-respected name in the industry and we are pleased it will be bringing this facility to the borough.

“The Northern Gateway development will be an attractive and sustainable destination for sports, leisure and business.

“This significant investment into the town will generate numerous benefits for residents and businesses, including new opportunities for employment and economic growth.”

Brendan Mitchell, David Lloyd Leisure’s acquisitions manager, said: “We are delighted our plans for a new health and racquets club in Colchester have been approved.

“We very much look forward to continuing to work closely with the council to progress our plans.”