Plans to revamp a popular swimming pool have been given the green light by councillors.

Dovercourt Swimming Pool is in line for a significant upgrade costing hundreds of thousands of pounds to improve facilities and help attract new customers.

Plans for the scheme were given the all-clear by members of Tendring District Council’s planning committee on Tuesday night.

The work will see the current building in Lower Marine Parade extended and a multi-purpose fitness studio will be created.

Paul Honeywood, cabinet member for housing, benefits, revenues and sports facilities, said that now planning permission had been granted the next stage would be to go out to tender.

“It is our aim to get work under way as soon as possible and that is likely to be in the autumn,” he added.

“We are delighted the project has got through the planning process and that we can now get on with providing a first class facility at an affordable price for people living in that area.

“The council is injecting a major amount of money into this important community facility.”

It is expected it will take around six weeks to get tenders from builders and suppliers.

The plans involve a new front elevation to the existing building, an extension to the main entrance, internal refurbishment and alterations. Works also include unisex changing rooms as well as relocating the gym to the ground floor to make it accessible for all.

Outside there will be an additional 24 parking spaces, five disabled parking spaces and a new cycle and motorbike parking facility.

Carlo Guglielmi, cabinet member for planning and corporate services, said: “This project is one which the whole community in that area wants to see go ahead and it has now cleared the planning hurdle.

“Hopefully the improved offering will encourage more people who currently go to Colchester or Ipswich to use the Dovercourt site.”