THE go-ahead has been given for the Atlantis nightclub at Epping Forest Country Club to be demolished to make way for a new health and fitness club.o

Epping Forest Council's development control committee has granted planning permission, with the new facility at the Abridge Road club to be open to non-club members.

Epping Forest Council's New Horizons 50-plus club will have use of the health and fitness facilities Monday to Friday, 9am until 11am. The swimming pool will also be available for lessons from Monday to Friday between 3pm and 5pm.

The new two-storey building will contain a reception and offices, health suite, male and female changing rooms, sauna, steam and spa, indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, creche, and a health and fitness studio.

The original plans went against Green Belt policy, but applicant Peter Pomphrett had demonstrated special circumstances whereby the new club will reduce the level of night-time visitors who cause noise and traffic. The site is already developed and can be considered 'brown land', and the buildings would not spoil the appearance of open countryside.

The new development has to be started within five years, and Essex County Council's archaeology section must be notified when work starts.

Councillor Mick Welch said: "I think the plans were presented very well. In the end it was regarded as a gain for the community, as the general public will have use of the facilities."

Chigwell councillor John Gilliham said: "I think the perceived aggravations in the past have been rectified, and hopefully we will be getting a much-needed leisure facility for our area."

December 20, 2001 9:01