The River Club, based in Old Malden Lane, will face the council on April 15 and 16 in a two-day public inquiry, at which the Government’s planning inspector will decide whether the club can retain its fitness studio and add a new roof.

The inquiry, in which evidence will be heard from both sides, will be held at Christ Church in Coombe Road.

Rob Prince, director of the club, said: “When we found the site it was derelict and had been plagued by vandalism and arson attacks.

“Now the site is beautiful and we are pleased there will be an inspection of our application.”

In November, the club won an appeal at the High Court against the council’s decision not to grant retrospective planning permission for a sports club built in 2005.

The High Court ruled against the Government’s planning inspector’s decision to reject the River Club’s appeal because it was based on “flawed evidence”.

Mr Prince admitted legal and administrative costs were “stacking up” after four years of planning disputes, but was adamant it was worth it because of the considerable benefits it was bringing to the community.

He said: “We attract many teachers who use our facilities and discounts for local schoolchildren.

“We also run several work experience placements, with about 80 per cent of those going on to paid part-time work.”