CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a health and fitness centre in one of the most deprived wards in Kidderminster have been given the go-ahead.

But Wyre Forest District Council planners, who described the development at Foley Business Park as a "godsend", insisted the change of use for the site, earmarked for employment uses in the Development Plan, was a one-off.

The application was approved by the planning (development control) committee last month, against the advice of officers, and prompted a jibe by Councillor Siri Hayward that residents in the ward would rather "smoke fags down the pub" than use a fitness centre. She subsequently issued an apology.

Ward councillor Vera Tomlinson said: "My ward is one of the most deprived in the county. This is an opportunity for the council to recognise that in this case, local needs must override local planning."

And she told the overview and scrutiny committee (environment and development) which met last Wednesday: "A local fitness centre would be a godsend."

The Stourport Road scheme will include two large gyms, cardiovascular resistance equipment, personal exercise programmes, aromatherapy and ice rooms, as well as a members bar and lounge area.

Membership would be up to about 2,500 and the centre would provide 150 car parking spaces.

At the planning meeting in November, planning chief Jake Berriman urged refusal stating the application was contrary to Government advice and the local and structure plan for the location of commercial leisure uses. But the committee backed the application by 13 votes to three.

Councillor Howard Martin told the scrutiny committee approval of the scheme would be a sensible, pragmatic move which took account of local needs. Members voted unanimously in favour.

It is anticipated the development will create 16 full-time and 14 part-time staff.