Plans for a gym and exercise studios to improve leisure facilities in Middlewich have been recommended for approval.

Cheshire East Council has applied for permission to build a two-storey detached building alongside the existing changing room block at Sutton Lane Football Pitches.

The new building would house a gym and two studios for exercise classes.

The application also includes plans to widen the Sutton Lane access road and extend the existing car park. The changing room block will also be refurbished and expanded.

Sandbach Nub News told last October how here.plans had been submitted.

In a report due to go before Wednesday's (March 16) meeting of Cheshire East's southern planning committee, the planning officer states: "The existing site currently accommodates four playing pitches and this development will also accommodate four pitches in a different layout.

"The building and car park extension leads to a loss of three per cent of the current playing field. It is considered that the benefit of the new building creating a multi-functional facility and additional car parking outweighs the minor loss of pitch space."

The officer adds: "The proposal will provide an improved sports provision for Middlewich and this will also provide opportunities for healthy living and improve health."

The 65-space existing car park will be extended to provide an additional 28 spaces.

Sixty-one letters have been sent to the council about the proposal, the majority of them are in support.

Objections from those opposed to the scheme, include concerns over highways and pedestrian safety, claims the access is unsuitable, insufficient parking, impact on trees and arguments the facilities should include a swimming pool.

The application be considered by the southern planning committee at 10am on Wednesday, March 16, at Crewe Municipal Buildings.