A GYM club with an international reputation but in danger of closing could be getting a new purpose-built home.

Efforts have been under way for more than a year to find the Europa Gym Club a new home before rent rises price it out of its converted warehouse on the Europa industrial estate in Fraser Road, Erith.

Now Bexley councillors have given planning permission for a scheme which would see the club move to the former Samas Roneo industrial site in Maiden Lane, Crayford, as part of a redevelopment of the whole site for housing and open space.

Unusually, the housing part of the joint application by Europa and Barratt Homes was approved only in outline, while plans for the gym were given detailed permission.

Barratt Homes will be required to sign a legal agreement pledging the land for the gym plus a £1.5m contribution towards the project.

The agreement will also restrict the start of work on the new homes until after the signing of contracts for the construction, use and operation of the gym.

Len Arnold, who with his wife Yvonne has run the gym and supported it with their own cash, described the plans for the new 2,080sq m building as “spectacular”.

He said it would be a legacy for the London Olympics and enable the gym to reach out to new groups and activities.

Mr Arnold, an international gym coach, added: “It will seriously enhance the dreams of young people.”

The gym will have a main hall, changing facilities, a reception, a cafe and two separate multi-activity rooms, with the option of adding a mezzanine floor.

Looking out over an ecological open space, it will have its own entrance from Maiden Lane and parking.

There were concerns about increased traffic in Maiden Lane, especially at the narrow railway bridge, but it was pointed out the site had previously been a factory.

The plans do not conform to the London Plan which says the land should be used for employment.

But councillors said the site has been empty for eight years, with no interest shown for commercial development.