PLANS for a new £300,000 extension to Burnham’s Sports and Swimming Academy have gained the backing of Burnham and Highbridge Town Council.

The proposals include a second swimming pool, a sauna, two fitness studios and a spa at the centre which is based on Berrow Road in Burnham-on-Sea.

Burnham and Highbridge Town Council unanimously resolved to back the plans for the extension at its planning committee meeting on Monday night.

The plan will now go forward to Sedgemoor District Council, which will decide whether to approve the plans.

The extension is planned for the empty land at the front of the site next to the Berrow Road, to the east of the current building pool site.

Co-owner Mark Cox-Conklin said: “We always had plans to develop the academy – and this is phase two. Our academy has always been about growth and we feel these additions will help us complete the academy.

“The planning application has a purpose-built pool for entry level swimmers.

“We have been talking about and planning this move for eight years – we already have a great programme for children age 3+ three-plus but we wanted something for mothers and small children. We already run more than 60 classes including spinning, water aerobics, yoga and pilates. It is simply a case that we have outgrown our current facilities and this will enable us to have more classes.

“The pool and health club are currently separated whereas if we get planning permission we can add in direct access.

“There is a lot of competition out there and we hope these new facilities will help us compete. We are really pleased the town council has agreed to support us, and we would also like to thank our amazing staff for all their hard work.”

The new pool will be 5m x10m and will be a warmer, shallower pool aimed at young children, babies and mums so swimming classes can start at a younger age.

The academy currently employs 45 members of staff and offers a wide range of 65 classes including swimming, spinning and much more.