Fakenham centre receives planning permission

North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) has granted planning permission for the proposed extension and improvement of Fakenham Sports and Fitness Centre.

Improvements to the facility will include the creation of a 25-metre swimming pool, outdoor sports facilities and a 3G all-weather artificial grass pitch. The current facilities, owned by NNDC and operated by Everyone Active, comprise a sports hall, fitness suite, multi-use area, dance studio, changing rooms and reception area.

Plans for the 3G pitch will be submitted under a different planning application, however, so that progress on the leisure centre and swimming pool can be made.

An existing pavilion building will be demolished later this year to make way for construction of the new facilities, which is expected to begin before the end of 2025.

The works, estimated to cost around £11m, will be funded largely by a grant from the central government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Councillor Tim Adams, Leader of NNDC, said: “This is a significant milestone towards the provision of modern swimming and leisure facilities in the growing Town of Fakenham, and we continue to be grateful for the support of the community and Fakenham Town Council that has got us this far. Subject to the approval of the planning application, we look forward to beginning this development later in the year.”

Stuart Jardine, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, added: “This is fantastic news for the health and wellbeing of the local community.”