PLANS have been submitted to demolish Spenborough Pool and build a new £15 million leisure centre for the Spen Valley.

The scheme is being funded mainly by Kirklees Council, with Kirklees Active Leisure contributing £750,000.

It includes an eight-lane 25m pool, a five-lane 20m activity pool, a fitness suite, as well as exercise and cycling studios, and was given the go-ahead by the Council’s cabinet in August.

Following consultation earlier this year, a full planning application has now been submitted.

In a planning statement accompanying the plans, WYG Environment Planning Transport Limited outlines how alternative sites for the new leisure centre, including other locations within the existing site, were considered and ruled out.

“Alternative sites have been considered by Kirklees Council to accommodate the proposed development.

“An initial search in 2015/16 for potential sites in the Spen Valley area for the construction of a new Spen Valley Leisure Centre did not identify any deliverable sites due to issues such as ownership, planning and/or legal constraints and Sport England concerns about other sporting facilities.”

A detailed appraisal evaluated the potential locations on the existing pool site, which concluded that the most appropriate site was on the site of the existing swimming pool.

“The playing field at the rear of the existing pool is recognised as a flood plain and given appropriate protection from development by the Environment Agency; the playing fields known as Princess Mary playing fields and stadium were ruled out due to Sport England concerns and the cost of finding and creating replacement provision elsewhere; whilst the temporary car park was found to be too small.

“The site of the existing Peak Fitness and playing field pavilion buildings was eliminated due to planning constraints relating to the adjacent residential properties and the size/shape of the land available.”

A statement of community involvement also outlines how feedback obtained during drop-in sessions saw concerns raised about the loss of the existing cafe and the neighbouring skatepark.

There was also concern about the two year gap without sports facilities in the area, while the existing pool is demolished and the new leisure centre is built.

The document adds: "Overall it is considered that the feedback received has been positive with many comments stating that the proposed facilities will be a great improvement on the existing centre.

"The comments that were received most frequently were in relation to the length of the pool, the loss of the skate park, the range of facilities proposed, the lack of a cafe facility and internal design matters."

It adds: "The architects have designed an innovative and modern centre, which is energy efficient and will be accessible to the whole community."

A decision is expected in June.