DEVELOPERS were crossing their fingers last night hoping plans to transform the old Redditch Megabowl into a sports and leisure club would finally be approved.

A planning application was first submitted to Redditch Council more than six months ago to install a swimming pool, dance studio, therapy centre and gym at the Greenlands Drive site.

But the hopes of Esporta Leisure, which wants to carry out the work, have been dashed on numerous occasions after the application was repeatedly deferred awaiting more information.

The leisure giant is at loggerheads with Kingfisher Centre owners Thornfield which is building their own leisure facilities above the new bus station.

Thornfield opposed the plans saying, they could harm the vitality of the town centre.

But councillors on the planning committee were poised to give the development the green light last night following recommendations from officers.