PLANS to establish a state-of-the-art gym in the centre of Waterfoot should get the go-ahead, despite being temporarily deferred.

Members of Rossendale Council's development control committee asked officers to return to a meeting of the committee next month with more information about the application put forward by Rossendale's Hurstwood Developments.

The application seeks permission to transform the former TNT depot, in Bacup Road, into a gym, sauna and swimming pool.

The only objections to the scheme involve the number of other gyms in the area, but planners said those considerations were immaterial because they were based on competition and not planning law.

David Hancock, chair of the planning committee, said: "The matter was deferred with a view to approve the application at the next meeting.

"Officers have been asked to go away and come back with more information about the proposal for councillors to make a final decision.

He added: "The applicant was happy for this to happen so they can strengthen their argument for the planning application to get the go-ahead."

The Environmental Director at Lancashire County Council has recommended that the applicant should pay £10,000 to provide two bus stops near to the site to help promote public transport.

Councillors felt the development would help boost the local economy and provide a good service for local people.

If the application is approved, officers have decreed that all planting, seeding or turfing, should be done in the first planting and seeding season and the building should be insulated against noise from music and equipment.

With this in mind, Coun Hancock concluded: "I can't pre-judge the outcome of the next meeting, but from the mood of the councillors, there are some positive signs for the development to get the go-ahead.

"It is considered by officers that the application is a suitable location for the siting of the health and leisure use."