AN application to build a much awaited new leisure centre in Dudley is set to be approved by planning chiefs next week.

Councillors on the borough’s development committee have been recommended to approve the construction of the two storey venue on a car park between Martin Hill Street and Constitution Hill.

If passed the leisure centre will open in 2021 and boast a 25-metre swimming pool, a large state-of-the-art gym, a five-court sports hall, plus a number of studios.

It is part of a £31 million investment in leisure facilities in the borough which will include improvements and refurbishment to existing venues at the Great Cornbow in Halesowen and the Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge.

The developments have already won the backing of the full council which passed a report in October increasing the overall budget by £7 million to £31 million and authorising changes including enhanced cladding and brickwork with a feature entrance and enhanced glazing and lighting included in the new plans.

Only one objection to the proposal has been put forward on the grounds of design and the relationship of the proposed building to adjoining houses.

While the project is under construction the existing Wellington Road centre will remain open to the public.

In a report recommending approval, planning officers said: “The proposed development is considered to be acceptable in principle given the Development Plan site allocation and town centre location.

“There are no fundamental concerns from a highways, parking or amenity point of view.

"Also given that the context of the site, the design of the development is considered to be acceptable.”

The application will be discussed by councillors on the development committee at their meeting on December 4.