EXPANSION plans for a Burnham-on-Sea Swim Academy have got the go ahead after its planning application was granted by Sedgemoor District Council.

The application, made in July 2015, set out the academy's plans to build a new 5x5 learner pool, an extension to form a new entrance, two new fitness studios and a sauna.

The fitness studios will be used to accommodate demand for its 13 spin classes which are very popular.

The expansion is set to cost in excess of £300,000 and follows a unanimous vote from Burnham and Highbridge Town Council.

Co owner, Mark Cox-Conklin said that he was thrilled that the application has been accepted.

He said "I am so pleased that the expansion has been approved, I think that this will be great for us.

"We now have had an increase in demand for classes up to 65 classes that we run.

"We have so many children swimming now, we want to promote children's exercise and wellbeing so we are really pleased that the application has been accepted.

"We are going to build a new learner pool, more studios and spin studios as we need to grow with the demands of the business.

"The learner pool will be great for us to launch because it is unique and can only be used by young children learning to swim.

"The studios will mean that we have more cardio workout facilities and can host more classes in the future.

"A lot of swimming pools do not have this kind of facility so it will be really great for us to be able to offer this to our customers.

Mr Cox-Conklin and his wife Sara Cox-Conklin, set up the academy in 2008 and have been dedicated to keeping up with the demands of their business.

"We work here seven days a week, this is our life doing this and we want to be sure that our business succeeds.

Mr Cox Conklin said works will start for the expansion in the next three to four weeks on the brickwork and groundwork with completion due in the next six months.