A popular south Bucks gymnastics club can now begin work on their new £750,000 home after authorities accepted their proposal today.

Abbey Gym Club, Prestwood, discovered this afternoon that Sport England has raised no objections to the proposal for a new space at Sprinters Leisure Centre, Honor End Lane, giving the official go-ahead for building work to begin.

The move means Chiltern District Council is now able to grant planning permission for the new centre.

For the last 25 years the club, which has 240 members and a waiting list of around 330 people, has been operating out of Prestwood Junior School in a space less than a quarter of the size recommended by British Gymnastics.

Sue Egan, Abbey Gym Club chairman, said: “I am delighted - and more than a little relieved - to know that Sport England has raised no objections to the club’s proposed gymnastics centre.

“It has taken several years to get to this point, and we have looked at many different buildings and building sites along the way.

“So many people have helped along the way but I would particularly like to thank Councillor Brenda Glover of Great Missenden Parish Council, Barbara Rowett of Prestwood Village Association and Councillor John Gladwin.

“It has already been a roller-coaster journey, and now the really hard work is about to begin.”

The club’s chairman confirmed the next stage will be to draw up detailed plans before applying for Sport England funding.