PLANS for a 'world class', £60 million surfing park next to the Trafford Centre have been approved by Trafford Council.

The planning department issued its decision on Monday, September 20, four months after the application was first made.

Developer McKinney Group can now start work on the development on Barton Dock Road, which it hopes to open in around two years.

The surfing park is aiming to be accessible for all ages and abilities, with a bar, cafe, restaurant and surf shop also included in the plans.

Messenger Newspapers: A CGI image of the surfing park.A CGI image of the surfing park.

At consultation, the plans received a wave of support from people in Trafford, across Greater Manchester and elsewhere.

One commenter from Flixton said: "Having lived in Manchester all my life, this will be a fantastic asset to the community.

"I've surfed from a young age and visited Cornwall for the fantastic surfing, and I've also visited some inland surfing venues. It'd be amazing to have one up north."

And another commenter from Wilmslow, who said their niece once won the European Surfing Championships, said: "This facility would be amazing for everyone to have the opportunity to learn a great sport which is both physically and mentally challenging.

Messenger Newspapers: A CGI image of the surfing park.A CGI image of the surfing park.

"I believe this application would be a great benefit to the whole family and the community. There is no better place than Manchester!"

Trafford Council's approval of the plans includes a number of conditions for McKinney Group, like work on the development starting in the next three years and being limited to the hours of 7.30am to 6pm from Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

The developer also needs to submit a number of documents to the council.