Plans for the new Romford Leisure Development have been approved.

Romford Recorder: Artist impression of how the competition pool in the new Romford Leisure Development is expected to look.Artist impression of how the competition pool in the new Romford Leisure Development is expected to look. (Image: Archant)

They were discussed at Havering Council’s regulatory services committee meeting last night (Tuesday) and were given full approval.

They include a new leisure centre with an ice rink, a 25m swimming pool, training pool, multi-purpose dance studio, fitness suite and cafe.

Proposals for Morrisons to also develop the current ice rink site into a supermarket, petrol filling station with parking, and to include up to 71 homes were approved.

It has been referred by the council to the Greater London Authority and Secretary of State and a decision is expected within 21 days.

If they agree with the proposals the council hopes to start the building work on site this winter and to have it completed in 2015.

And these new artist imressions pictured show what the competition pool and ice rink are expected to look like.

The leader of the council, Cllr Michael White, said: “This moment represents a significant milestone on our journey to creating a fantastic facility for sport in Romford. We’ve been working up to it for a long time now, and although we still have some way to go, we can now finally start to look forward.

“It will offer new and exciting opportunities for people of all ages and we’re really excited about how the project is progressing.”

Victoria Shaw, development executive at Morrisons, who will be taking over the current ice rink site if the plans are approved, said: “We are delighted with this decision which is an important step in the planning process and we look forward to continuing to work with Havering Council and other stakeholders to deliver this exciting scheme.”