A "GODSEND" for the most socially deprived ward in Worcestershire will bring 30 new jobs and health facilities after plans for a new fitness centre were approved.

The proposed health and fitness centre on Foley Business Park, Stourport Road, Kidderminster was finally given the go-ahead by Wyre Forest District Council on Tuesday despite going against the area's development plan.

Councillor Vera Tomlinson, who represents Oldington and Foley Park, said that "exceptional circumstances" meant the development should proceed even it goes against the plan's blueprint for the location of commercial and leisure premises.

"Poverty and ill health go hand in hand," she said. "In one of the top 10 per cent of socially deprived wards in the country residents will now have an affordable health and fitness centre on their doorstep.

"Many of the new jobs will go to local people. An opportunity like this does not present itself very often."

A series of exterior design changes and a £10,000 contribution towards the town's Sustrans cycle network persuaded the development control committee to give the centre the thumbs up.

Facilities, which applicant Macdonald Wenlock and Fitness First pledged would be affordable, will include two gymnasiums, exercise studios, sauna, sun beds and bar with 2,500 members served by 150 car parking spaces.

The application was approved by the committee in November, against the advice of planning officers, on the condition that the negotiations with the developer over siting, sustainable transport and design matters.

Councillors voted overwhelmingly in favour of the modified plans. Cookley councillor Chris Nicholls said: "I'm glad to say that good sense has prevailed."