PLANS by Stratford Council for a new fitness suite at Studley Leisure Centre have been scuppered after the authority turned down its own application.

The leisure department had applied for outline permission for a new gym at the troubled centre, which has only recently re-opened its pool following repairs.

But members of the council's Arden area planning committee dismissed the application because they felt there would not be enough parking to cope with extra visitors - despite assurances from planning officers.

Councillors felt that with limited parking at and around the centre, especially at school times, a new suite could impact on neighbours.

The council's principal leisure facilities manager, Peter Owen, said: "There's been no decision yet as to whether this will go to appeal.

"We would be looking for guidance from councillors for that.

"Even though it is the council's own application it would have to be treated like any other application and if it has not been approved, the only way forward would be an appeal."

The centre closed in November for repairs to faulty fittings following a huge refurbishment and extension.

A council contract with Studley Pool Management was ended at the same time, resulting in the authority having to pay tens of thousands of pounds in compensation.

A new contract with Sports Leisure Management to run the centre was agreed recently and the pool re-opened for the school holidays.