Plans for a new Chiltern Lifestyle Centre in Amersham have been given the green light by cabinet members of the Chiltern District Council.

At a meeting on Tuesday evening, cabinet members agreed the business case for the new community and leisure centre, which will replace the currently Chiltern Pools facility which is located off Chiltern Avenue in Amersham.

Planning permission for the new centre had been approved last month (July 2) subject to conditions.

The existing buildings on the King George V site will all be demolished with the exception of the historic barns.

They will be replaced by the new facility which will feature a gym, a spa, an eight-lane, 25 metre swimming pool, a diving and teaching pool, a children's splash pad area, a four badminton court sports hall, squash courts, a climbing wall, library, café area and community centre, plus space for the nursery, soft play and climb.

The previous site had become uneconomical to run in the long-term according to the council, given the need for urgent repairs or replacement in some areas of the facility.

Proposals for the new facility has proved to be a highly contentious plan amongst some local residents since the plans were first announced.

Previously, campaigners have labelled the building as “far too large”, branding it as a “carbuncle” that will cost “far too much”.

Cllr Mike Stannard, CDC Cabinet Member for Support Services, said: "The Chiltern Lifestyle Centre will be a fantastic new leisure and community centre for Amersham and the surrounding areas, and I am delighted that the business case has been approved by Cabinet.

“After the initial years of development, the Chiltern Lifestyle Centre will deliver a good return on investment, providing a source of income for the new unitary authority, Buckinghamshire Council, and enabling the facility to be delivered at no additional cost to the council taxpayer.

"As part of these proposals, we will also be investing in the leisure centres in Chalfont St Peter and Chesham, starting when the Chiltern Lifestyle Centre building work commences.

“This means local residents in Amersham and surrounding towns and villages will be able to access excellent facilities for physical activity, social interaction and community activities, enabling the community to lead healthier lifestyles."