OWNERS of a triathlon training centre vowed to make their venture a success after winning their planning battle.

Chelmsford Council’s planning committee unanimously green-lighted a proposal from Trifarm to use a reservoir just off Church Road, Boreham, for open water swimming between April and October.

This would act as part of a triathlon training centre based at the site which has a 1km running track around the water’s edge.

Cycling would be done on local roads around villages near the venue.

On two previous occasions the plans had been rejected over concerns with the impact on the conservation area and Church Road which has protected lane status and car parking provision.

However changes to the latest application including moving cabins for storage and changing facilities and car parking to another part of the land pleased councillors enough to grant permission.

The centre will run for six months from April and co-owner Bill Richmond said if it is a success they will reapply for permanent residence.

He said: “What we must show now is that we can run the place properly over the next six months.

“Providing it is successful from a commercial standpoint then we will certainly move ahead and look to make it a permanent triathlon training centre.”

He also expressed his pleasure over the plans finally being passed.

Mr Richmond said: “This is a huge relief and the depth of support we had since we started which is something which has overwhelmed us.

“There is something poetic about it being the third time our plans have appeared in front of the committee.

“Although us triathletes are used to going through transitions so it has been challenging, but I’m ever so pleased now.”