AN ORGANISATION that trains the lifeguards of the future has been handed a positive boost to provide an “enhanced facility” in Christchurch.

Proposals to demolish the existing Christchurch Life Saving Club hut at Friars Cliff and build a new state-of-the-art two-storey base have been approved by Christchurch Borough Council.

The development, which also includes an extension to the neighbouring Beach Hut Cafe, was given the green light by a planning officer.

The club’s current building, at Cliff Drive behind the cafe, is damp and continually requiring fixes.

After raising funds to carry out the work, members of the club are hoping to have the new facility in place to mark the group’s 40th anniversary year in 2020.

Once complete, the building, which includes a balcony, will allow the club to patrol the beach.

A report by Christchurch and East Dorset councils planning officer Kevin Chilvers says the proposals will result in “significantly improved” facilities for the lifesaving club in a convenient location.

He added: “This enhanced facility would be a benefit to the wider community in terms of providing increased accessibility to training and more lifesaving practitioners.”

The club, which is a registered charity, aims to train the next generation of pool and beach lifeguards, saving lives through prevention or rescue.

Speaking about the importance of the plans, Dan Miller, club treasurer, said: “We will be able offer so much more and also cater for more people.

“The balcony we’re putting in will mean we can have a view of our area and start patrolling the beach again. This will take the form of helping the RNLI on the beach and if someone is down the club in the evening we can act as a response patrol by signing on with the coastguard.”

A handful of objections were raised against the development regarding a potential for an increased disturbance to neighbouring residents through a higher “spill out area” and noise impact and impact on properties in Cliff Drive.

However, there were more responses in favour of the scheme stating there was a “major need” for an improved facility.