“The final elements, the rest of the leisure buildings and the Lido will be completed two to three months later, around 18 months after the start on site.

“The order of the programme means we are able to deliver all the public realm areas first and then we are completing elements of the scheme to meet the needs of the end users. We believe everything will be completed in 2011, making it an extremely significant and exciting year for New Brighton.”

The planning committee also approved applications to vary the outline permissions already given to the scheme, allowing Neptune to change the order in which the development is completed.

Following concerns raised by Cllr Simon Mountney about ensuring the developer completes the scheme, Mr Mason told the committee the change would allow them to complete the entire development more quickly.

The application was praised by the members of the committee, including Cllr Mountney, who said it was “a fantastic opportunity for New Brighton” in comments which were echoed by councillors Mitchell, David Elderton, Brian Kenny and John Salter.

Former New Brighton councillor and cabinet member for regeneration Pat Hackett – who championed the development throughout its early stages – was jubilant at the committee’s decision, and said it was a “fantastic result for New Brighton”.