Plans for a major new public health and leisure centre in West Norwood have been given the green light, but doubts remain over whether the Government will release the funding for it to be built.

The Norwood Hall development in Devane Way was given planning approval at a meeting of Lambeth Council's planning committee on Wednesday, September 30.

The project will see the existing community hall demolished and replaced with a building of up to four storeys containing a NHS Lambeth health centre, a Lambeth Council customer service centre and a leisure centre.

The planned 2,702 sq m leisure centre will include a swimming pool and gym, a dance studio, and a cafe with outdoor seating.

Norwood Hall's grounds will also be landscaped, including the creation of a woodland nature area.

The approval of the plans has been welcomed by residents, but concerns have been raised about how the upcoming October spending review could impact on the plans for work to begin next year.

Tory Councillor John Whelan, who represents Thurlow Park ward, said funding for the project guaranteed by the previous Government was now under review by the coalition Government.

He said: "Whether the funding will be released, I don't know. We all want to see the project go ahead and if it is not approved there is no doubt the coalition Government will be criticised.

"But the fact is West Norwood has needed a leisure centre for years but the Labour Council has turned a blind eye until now."

He said he would be happy to lobby the Government to provide the funding if it is withdrawn.

A council spokeswoman said it had not been told that the funding was insecure, but in common with councils up and down the country it awaited the outcome of the comprehensive spending review for a clearer picture of what money is available for local authority projects.

Lambeth Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Sally Prentice, said the project was "great news for the area and will bring much needed state-of-the-art facilities for the local community.

She added: "They have been closely involved and supportive of this scheme, so I am delighted that by having these plans approved, we have taken a massive leap forward in delivering a project that will meet their needs and promote their health and fitness."