Planning officers have recommended the facility be given the all clear despite objections from the police
Planners are recommending the new £60m aquatic centre set to host swimming and diving at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham is given the all-clear next week.
Sandwell council’s planning committee is set to decide the future of the facility, which has been designed by Gloucester-based architecture practice Roberts Limbrick, at its meeting on 13 March.
The architect, who has previously worked on the Wales National Pool in Swansea and the redevelopment of Cheltenham Racecourse, has drawn up plans for the aquatics centre including a 50m competition swimming pool, a 25m diving pool, a studio pool and 1,000 spectator seats.
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Planning officer Carl Mercer has recommended the project, set to be built by Wates, be given planning approval despite the police objecting to the plans because of a "lack of secure by design principles and anti-terrorism measures."
The report said the scheme, which was submitted for planning on 29 January, had received five letters of objection when it was finalised.
The scheme, which has repeatedly been given a red-risk rating by the council due to its significance, will also include a dry-dive facility, two gyms, three activity studios, an eight-court sports hall, indoor cycling studio, sauna and cafe.
The site, at Londonderry Playing Fields in Smethwick, will also include 450 on-site car parking spaces, a football pitch and changing facilities, a park and children’s play area.
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