A bid to launch a gym that bosses promise will offer state-of-the-art facilities to fitness fans has been given the green light.

Thanet District Council’s decision to give the plans to transform a Poundstretcher at Westwood Retail Park in Broadstairs into a PureGym is expected to pave the way for the business to open early next year.

KentOnline previously reported bosses from the sports chain believe the centre will attract about 4,500 members and employ up to 16 members of staff.

The proposals - which were lodged with the authority in July - were approved last week by officials, who noted they received no objections.

“The development would not result in harm to the character or appearance of the area or the residential amenities of nearby properties,” they explained.

“The development is acceptable in all other respects.”

It will be the district’s first PureGym.

Currently, the nearest branch of the chain, which has more than 330 premises across the country, is a 30-minute drive away in Canterbury.

Planning papers show PureGym is hoping to make a series of minor alterations – such as replacing the main entrance doors and installing nine air conditioning units – to the Poundstretcher prior to opening in 2023.

The Westwood Road facility will operate for 24 hours a day throughout the week, and will remain open while unstaffed.

PureGym’s website says the branch is “coming soon”, and offers customers the chance to register their interest in becoming a member.

Poundstretcher is still trading at the site.