Planners say yes, despite 69 objections

NEARLY 70 objections were not enough to stop Environment Department officials from recommending that Kings Health Club's controversial plans for an apartment complex be approved.

It is proposed that 13 apartments will be built on the site of two of the club's tennis courts.

The project would also see a new two-way entrance to the leisure centre, which would be created between the current entrance and the Belmont Road junction.

Now the professional planners have given their approval, the Environment Department political board will decide at an open planning meeting whether to grant permission for the development.

The planning application report shows that 56 letters were received about the project. Of these, 17 were in support, stating that it would enhance the area, improve the access and allow for more-modern sports facilities to be built. But 39 submissions were objections and one of those was a letter which had 30 signatures.