A major new Centre of Excellence for sport, leisure and culture is set to be established at Parc Eirias in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, after plans were given the green light by the local authority.

Planning officials at Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) have given the go-ahead for the new facility, which will boast a rugby training pitch, a 2,000-seat grandstand, team changing facilities, a weights room and floodlights, as well as car parking. The Parc Eirias development - which will provide a home for the new Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (North Wales Rugby) regional team - forms part of the Bay Life Development Plan and now aims to secure funding from the European Union and Welsh Assembly Government.

CCBC leader Dilwyn Roberts said: "We've identified Colwyn Bay as our regeneration priority. Creating a centre of sporting excellence at Parc Eirias is just one element in our vision to revitalise the town. Gaining planning permission is a crucial step towards this. "We believe these proposals along with others outlined in the Bay Life Development Plan can stimulate investment in the area, support business stability and result in new employment and prosperity for the local population."