Green light for Bromborough martial arts centre

Apr 29 2011 By Liam Murphy

A MARTIAL arts centre has been given approval by Wirral planners to set up in a former industrial unit.

The Bromborough International Business Park is already the site of a massive indoor cricket centre and another warehouse has been given permission to be converted for indoor football.

Now the council has backed plans to create a taekwondo martial art centre on the business park.

The decision was made despite councillors being advised by its own officers to turn down the scheme.

They said that the land was zoned for industrial and warehousing use and it should be considered only for industry.

One of those behind the scheme, Richie Saunders, said they hope to open by June but the details were being dealt with by solicitors.

He said: "It’s a really good result and we’re very pleased.

"We really appreciate the help of Cllr Steve Niblock in getting planning permission."

Bromborough councillor Steve Niblock had backed the scheme and praised the planning committee’s decision.

He said: "This is a unique venue which will attract students from across the country and be a centre of excellence for the sport.

"Members of the planning committee recognised its value and uniqueness, and unanimously overturned the recommendations of officers to approve it."