A new environmentally-friendly leisure complex is to be developed in Ely, Cambridgeshire, after the local authority approved the proposals.

East Cambridgeshire District Council's (ECDC) planning committee has awarded planning permission for the Roberts Limbrick-designed facility. A 25m, six-lane swimming pool; a children's leisure water area; a six-court sports hall; and an additional fitness area are proposed as part of the development.

Space for indoor cricket; spinning rooms; dance and aerobic rooms; and a wet health suite - featuring saunas, steamrooms and spa baths - are also earmarked for the complex. ECDC revealed that it will now investigate funding options for the development, which will replace the existing Paradise Pool facility.

Council leader Fred Brown said: "There are many possible sources from post Olympic funding to prudent borrowing - the key to accessing this money was to get planning permission in place. "Now we have this, our aim is to work hard to get the money to turn these plans into a reality. We know this will not be a walk in the park but it is a challenge we are determined to meet for the benefit of future generation."