RELIEF is set to be felt by athletes as triathlon training centre plans in Boreham could finally be green-lighted.

Chelmsford Council’s planning officers have recommended Trifarm’s application to use a reservoir on Church Road for open water swimming between April and October for approval.

On Tuesday night, the council’s planning committee will make the final decision.

It comes nearly a year after their original proposal which includes a 1km running track, changing room and storage cabins and car parking was rejected by the authority in July.

Councillor refused by the plans submitted in May over concerns with impact on the local conservation area, parking provision and potential damage to Church Road caused by more vehicle using it.

Since then, fresh plans were submitted by Trifarm’s bosses which included the repositioning of the cabins for changing and storage.

The car park has also been moved within the site, which is in a conservation area, with hedgerows to be planted to help screen off vehicles.

These changes have led to the approval recommendation and Trifarm co-owner Bill Richmond said it was most welcoming to have officer’s blessing.

Mr Richmond said: “I think we have listened to the concerns raised last time and it has been recognised that we have made the alterations needed.

“We are not getting too ahead of ourselves and now just hoping we get the right result on Tuesday, which if it does come will be a big relief.”

Temporary planning permission was granted for the site last year allowing triathlon and exercise enthusiasts to use the facilities.

With the centre proving popular with users, Mr Richmond said their support was a real boost.

“It has been a bit of a bumpy road,” he said.

“But we’ve had lots of positive messages from triathletes who have used our facilities already and I know they are all bursting to dive back in.”