A new day centre for young adults with learning difficulties will be opened in Barnet after plans to convert an existing gym were approved last night.

The Development and Learning Opportunities (DALO) centre will provide educational services for up to 18 people in Brunswick Crescent, Brunswick Park.

Barnet Council’s planning committee approved a change of use to the building from a gym by unanimous decision.

Users of the day centre, who have disabilities and learning difficulties, will be driven to and from their homes by centre staff.

Jan-Michael McIntosh, a director at DALO UK, explained that most of the centre’s clients will be referred from within the borough through the local authority.

He said: “We’re delighted it has been approved. We already have a number of clients at our centre in Tottenham who travel from Barnet and it can be difficult for them.

“This is fantastic news for us because this will be a new base and a place our clients can call their own – it is a great feeling to have.”