East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) has agreed to put forward concept designs for a proposed new leisure complex in Ely for consideration by planners.

The Roberts Limbrick-designed proposals would see an eco-friendly and sustainable venue built to replace the existing Paradise Pool facility, including a six-lane, 25m swimming pool and a six-court sports hall. A small children's leisure water area, an additional fitness area, family changing facilities and a car park are also mooted as part of the scheme following a public consultation.

Peter Cresswell, chair of ECDC's community services committee, said: "It is clear that if we fail to plan for the future the health of our residents will be adversely affected as we have real concerns the Paradise Pool will be at the end of it's lifespan in the next five years. "The new complex is designed to meet the demands of our growing population, while incorporating state of the art technology to create a place where all residents throughout the district want to go to."