PLANS for a health and fitness club as part of a major new leisure development in Burnley have been approved.

Jon Wright, of Xercise4Less, will turn a vacant town centre office block at Kingsway House, in Kingsway, into a gym.

No objections were received in relation to the development, which could create up to 15 jobs.

In a planning statement, the firm said: “Changing, WC and shower facilities are provided for all including separate male and female disabled facilities within the changing room areas. A separate women's only gym area is also provided.”

Granting permission, a Burnley Council planning officer said: “The National Planning Policy Framework sets a presumption in favour of sustainable development and encourages development that contributes to the vitality of centres.”

In 2012, proposals were approved for a 126-bedroom student village on the same site, backed by East Lancashire Regeneration Ltd.