THE SPA is set to return to Droitwich as plans to build a new given baths were given the go ahead.

Planners at Wychavon District Council gave the green light to the application which will also include a jacuzzi and a cafe.

Councillor Bill Moy, one of five directors of Save Our Brine Baths (SOBBs), said: “We have an underutilised asset right here in Wychavon, uniquely not just in Britain but in the world.

“Droitwich’s town folk care about their heritage and also see the commercial opportunity to use its brine to redevelop Droitwich as a major tourist destination, bringing visitors and much needed business back to the town.

“This application is a vital step along the way to establish a new brine baths next to the existing Lido pool.

“Droitwich Town Council fully supports this application and without reservation.”

Cllr Moy added that Droitwich brine had been recognised as a value commodity more than 2,000 years ago and should be “utilised to the full for the benefit of the people of Wychavon."

SOBBs was set up by Cllr Moy after the brine baths closed in 2008 and has since raised thousands to pay for the application.

Councillor Bob Brookes outlined what would now need to be done to bring the baths back including raising the funds to build and equip the building, negotiating the land, finalising the design and bringing back a detailed application to the planners at Wychavon.

“Save Our Brine Baths (SOBBs) understand that obtaining this outline planning permission is the very first step on a difficult road to bring their project to a satisfactory conclusion,” he said.

“We have a committed group of local residents with the full backing of Droitwich Town Council and with your support I believe they can put the ‘spa’ back into Droitwich Spa.”

Cllr Tony Miller looked forward to seeing the final application.

He said: “A delightful application I would say. It’s nice to see ‘spa’ come back into Droitwich. “Droitwich has not been recognised as a spa town for some years now.”

Cllr Margaret Rowley said she was “disappointed” with the current application as she thought the brine baths would sit better on the other side of the pool.

“I know that it is for future consideration but I would hope that we would see a design which was more appropriate to the positioning when we see the final design,” she said.

“I would have liked to have supported this application but it is in the wrong position."