PLANS to build a new sports hall, reception building and playing fields at Derby College's Broomfield Hall campus have moved one step closer to fruition.

The idea was first revealed in the Derby Telegraph last month and the college has now submitted its formal plans to Erewash Borough Council.

Bosses at the college say the latest phase of the redevelopment project at the campus, in Morley, will cost £6.5 million.

The changes proposed include extending the driveway to lead directly to the main car park, instead of snaking around existing buildings.

Several older and temporary buildings will be demolished, allowing room for the new sports hall and reception, while a library and resource centre and other student services will be built.

Three new playing fields and a fitness suite will also be adjacent to the site and the reception hall – which the college said it hoped would be a focal point for the campus – will also house a food court area and extra classrooms.

Outline planning permission for the proposals was granted in November 2010.

The work to the campus, which offers land-based and animal courses, follows major investment in the college's other sites.

In a statement to the authority, the college said: "The development will provide high-quality facilities to replace the existing unsuitable accommodation on site.

"The new learning and support building will provide a focal point within the campus and will function as the first point of contact for the visitors. This will improve the legibility of the site.

"And the new access road will improve the traffic flow and form part of the improvement to the access road from the A608, which will consequently create more clear and safer pedestrian routes through the site and a better linkage to the car park."

The college received a £2 million windfall from the Skills Funding Agency and will contribute a further £4 million itself.

The council's decision on the application is likely within the next eight weeks.