Plans to bring a Parkour and freerunning centre to Witham have been rubber stamped by the planning committee.

Team Kinetix applied to convert an industrial unit in Moss Road into a fitness and coaching centre for the sport, creating a permanent home for the club.

Now the club has received the go-ahead and work to transform the 6,670sq ft unit, bigger than two tennis courts, could be completed by the end of April.

Brad Wendes, founder of Team Kinetix, said: "It is all systems go, we are looking to get the keys this week and then complete with contracts next week.

"We are hoping we will be fully converted and open by the end of April.

"We are really pleased with the planning committee's decision, I spoke at the meeting and I was really refreshed to hear sensible planning questions beings asked.

"Although the site is in the local plan for employment, they decided the benefits and outcomes of the scheme were worth it."

Initially the business will employ five people, but this number is set to increase in the future.

Part of the unit will be utilised by a Witham based dance studio, who lost their home last year.

Mr Wendes said: "The project is self funded and we are putting every penny we have into this.

"It is a risk, but I do not think it is a foolish risk. It is equally exciting and terrifying at the same time.

"We have lots of brilliant people behind us and hopefully that will see us through."