A former garden centre and farm shop near Cam will see a change of beat with the creation of a dance school and a new buildings for industrial use, warehousing and distribution.

Four dance studios are planned in the all-new facility, along with the warehouse area, a showroom for products, as well as a café for staff and families attending dance sessions.

With a footnote caveat on newt protection with respect to the construction process, Stroud District Council's Development Control Committee has now given the nod to outline approval for the plan which sits on land off the A38 at the former Sunnyside Nurseries, next to Ubico's waste collection depot.

Craig Humber, the architect for the project, told Punchine-Gloucester.com: "We are really delighted with the plan now going ahead."

Cheltenham-based CROE Architects worked with Zesta Planning to conviece a mixed-use scheme which would deliver bespoke results, he said.

He added: "This project will totally rejuvenate the site, turning a dilapidated and run-down garden centre into something positive the local and wider communities will enjoy for many years to come."

Craig said he envisaged the project going into action this year with possible completion for use by January 2025.

Planners heard that the site had previously had outline permission given for redevelopment.

An officer told the committee: "The applicant proposes a single warehouse building (A) for the storage of products to be sold via the on-line business and transported to the customers. Building A will have a floor space over single storey of 963 square metres and a height of six metres.

"The applicant proposes a separate building (B) to provide a showroom, an office space, and a canteen/café. It is intended that the showroom will be used to showcase the on-line stock."

The specific nature of the sales business is as yet unknown. Planners were told however that the applicant no longer proposes to change the use of the dwelling.

"The applicant proposes that the office space will be used ancillary to the on-site B8 use. The applicant proposes that the canteen/café will be for on-site employees and will also be available for users and parents of the Dance Studio. The applicant does not propose it to be open to the general public.

"Building B would have a combined floor space of 525 square metres broken down into office - 243 square metres; canteen/café - 109 square metres; and showroom 173 square metres.

"In addition, the application also proposes a separate purpose-built dance studio (Building C). Building C will be split over two floors and have a combined floor space of 902 square metres and a height of eight square metres."

Car parking will also provide 44 spaces.

A tide of supporting comments from parents in the area urged the approval of the scheme.

One parent from North Nibley told planners: "Having a dedicated dance studio will provide a wonderful opportunity for young and older people alike within the community to to have access to wonderful facilities to promote health and the arts. The design for all of the buildings look beautiful and will make a much improved look the the area."