A PROPOSED three-storey extension to Avon Ski Centre has been approved by North Somerset Council.

The extension to the main building, which would include a balcony, was backed by Winscombe and Sandford Parish Council in December.

The plans were first submitted in 2010 and included a nursery ski slope, but they were withdrawn following widespread criticism.

The extension will allow the centre in Churchill to improve disabled access and give room for more storage.

Parish councillors had raised concerns for the ski centre’s future if they opposed the idea, which from next year will be in competition with the �50million Leisuredome, based on the former RAF Locking site.

Councillor Steve Bridges said: “We should be encouraging our businesses. I believe it does need updating and it should be considered whether updating it will give it enough against the beast at Weston and a chance to be competitive.”

Concerns were also raised about making the centre bigger as it is based in an area of outstanding natural beauty. But a North Somerset Council report said because it was being built on an existing site and largely hidden from public view, the damage would be negligible.