PORTISHEAD could have a third swimming pool in the town if proposals for an infants’ pool are approved.

Aquasplash, run by Clevedon businessman Glyn Davies, has submitted a planning application to North Somerset Council to transform an empty warehouse in Old Mill Road into a pool and cafe.

The warm water pool would be specifically for babies and toddlers up to two years, providing swimming lessons and sessions for early confidence in the water. A spectator area, reception, showers, changing facilities and caf� are included in the plans.

In his application Mr Davies says the market for baby and infant swimming classes has continued to see strong growth and Aquasplash has already received a number of enquiries from swimming organisations and teachers interested in using the facility. He says it will not be in competition with the existing Parish Wharf Leisure Centre pool as he is aiming at a very specific market.

The purpose-built pool would meet the needs of young babies where many other pools fail, especially with regards to warm temperatures and changing facilities.

The application follows a recent trend of leisure facilities opening up in the former industrial buildings of Old Mill Road.

A gym and indoor skate park were both successful in obtaining planning permission to change the use of unit two for their respective leisure uses.

The Fitness Hub gym is progressing its development of the unit, while the proposers of the indoor skate park have now submitted an application for unit three.

Councillor Reyna Knight, whose ward includes Old Mill Road, said: “This former hive of industry is proving to be an ideal area for a mix of both retail and leisure which is surely good news for the town.”