A north Norfolk swimming centre is to make way for a new £10.7m leisure and sports centre, after councillors agreed to push ahead with the plans.

Eastern Daily Press: An artist's impression of the exterior of the proposed Sheringham Leisure Centre. Image: NNDCAn artist's impression of the exterior of the proposed Sheringham Leisure Centre. Image: NNDC (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk District Council unveiled its plans for the Splash site in Sheringham last year, which will replace the 30-year-old facility.

The council applied to itself to build a new facility, costing more than £10m, which will feature a swimming pool, fitness suite, children's splash pad and a café.

This application has now been approved, after members of the council's development committee voted in its favour.

Anne Smith of Sheringham Town Council, told the committee she was strongly in favour of the plans, though raised some disappointment that the pool may not have a wave machine, which the current Splash does.

She said: 'The possible lack of a wave machine is a shame, which is one of Splash's unique selling points.

'I would also be keen to see improvements made to cycle access. There is a large grass verge which could be made into a cycle path and improve the safety of the A149.'

Brian Hannah, district councillor for Sheringham North, said: 'Splash has been a great asset for the area and will continue to be so.'

Members were told the project would be dependent on funding from Sport England, which meant the pool had to be designed as a more 'traditional' swimming pool.

Richard Shepherd, district councillor for the Sheringham South ward, added: 'I have had a lot of feedback about this, 99pc of which is in favour of what is happening'

Geoff Lyon, case manager for the project, told the committee that the new facility had been located towards the front of the site, to allow the existing Splash to remain open while building work is carried out.

Meanwhile, the skate park would be rebuilt at the rear of the land off Weybourne Road.

The original Splash was opened in May 1988 by Diana, Princess of Wales, and featured a 'beach-style' pool and a wave machine.

The new centre is also set to include multi-purpose studios, a learner's pool and a spin suite, set over two stories.