Plans for a new £10.1m leisure centre in Kidderminster have moved forward after Wyre Forest District Council's (WFDC) planning committee green lighted the project.

The proposal for the former Victoria Sports Ground include a 25-metre six-lane pool, a learner pool, fitness suite, six-court sports hall and outdoor football pitches. Other facilities will include fitness and dance studios and a cafe.

"This project is about providing first class leisure and sports facilities in a modern energy efficient building, whilst saving the council money," said WFDC cabinet member Ian Hardiman. " We are delighted to have outline planning permission. Our next steps are to finalise the purchase of the land and in June we will be inviting companies to tender for the contract to design, build and run the new leisure centre."

Concerns had been raised due to the location being isolated and buses not running on Sundays or bank holidays, but WFDC have said that they have made plans to meet with the bus companies to try and persuade them to run more services once the centre was built, as well as building a new £10,000 bus stop at the centre.