PLANS for Bolton’s first trampoline park have been approved.

Members of Bolton Council’s planning committee signed off proposals for the creation of the 700 sq m Air Vault trampoline facility at the Wingates Industrial Estate.

Planning officers had initially recommended that the proposals, brought forward by Active Entertainment, a company set up by former accountant Andrew Caldwell, should be refused because the firm had not provided enough information to comply with planning policy.

But the developers submitted information prior to the committee meeting yesterday which changed the opinion of the officers and saw councillors unanimously approve the proposals.

The state-of-the-art trampoline park will include inter-connected trampolines, angled wall trampolines, tumbling trampoline lanes, curved and double-curved trampolines, dismount platforms, foam pits, slam-dunk basketball hoops, a dodgeball court and a separate area for parents and toddlers.

The plans include a raised mezzanine café area, disabled access lift, plus two rooms that will cater for parties, school visits and corporate events.

Speaking on behalf of Active Entertainment, group member Mark Denison, said: “Obviously we are delighted with the council’s decision and can’t wait to get start turning the plans into a reality.

“Trampoline parks are a new phenomenon – there are currently only a handful of facilities like this in the UK — so it will be great that Bolton can be one of the first few towns to have such an exciting new facility.”

He added: “We are hoping to be in a position to open the facility in autumn this year. We hope to begin the fit out within the next two weeks.

“Our aim is to provide a modern leisure and fitness facility that the whole of Bolton can be proud of.”

During the meeting, numerous councillors backed the “exicting” plans, including Westhoughton councillor Zoe Kirk-Robinson, who said: “This will benefit the local economy and will offer sessions for local schools and groups which is a great idea.”