PLANS to build a new swimming pool in Pitsea have now been approved.

The plans, for a 25-metre pool which will be build as an extension to the existing Eversley Leisure Centre, were rubber stamped by Basildon councillors on Wednesday About £2million will go towards the project, which will primarily be used for casual swimming and family fun sessions.

A small cafe is also planned to be added to the Eversley centre as part of the development.

Councillor Andrew Ansell, who represents of Pitsea South East, said: “This is absolutely brilliant news. The modular designs look fantastic, and are looking to bring in a pool with four lanes.

“Not only does it look good, but we’re looking at a 25 year lifespan. Let’s now get cracking.”

The leisure centre, owned by Basildon Council and managed by Everyone Active, has a 65 station health and fitness suite, workout and spin studios, is used as a base by South Essex Gymnastics Club and has an artificial football pitch.

Funding for the project was secured in 2018 by the previous administration, but it couldn’t press ahead unless support by the public was shown.

A public consultation into development found that around 80 per cent said they would use a new swimming pool at least once a week, with the majority of the remaining 20 per cent saying they would use it at least on a monthly basis.

Out of those who responded to the consultation, 87 per cent were from Pitsea and Vange.

Councillor Kevin Blake, chairman of the leisure, culture and environment committee, said: “When we said we were going to produce a pool with £2million at the last budget setting, we were laughed out the room.

“We’ve stuck fast on this and it’s great news for the residents of Pitsea and surrounding areas - people will hopefully come from catchment places like Benfleet too. So it ticks all the boxes.”

Councillor David Harrison, chairman of the neighbourhoods and public spaces committee, said: “I think it’s fantastic and my intention is to make this happen as soon as possible.”