The proposal is to create a new facility within Eastwood Park which would include a leisure centre, theatre, library and cultural facilities.

Plans submitted by Stallan-Brand outline the inclusion of a 50m pool, a 20m training pool, a family fun pool with flume, a six-court games hall, large gym area and four fitness studios.

The submission of this planning application follows a pre-application consultation period held during May, which allowed residents to share their views and help shape the proposals now put forward. Residents can view the full proposals online and submit any comments until 1 October.

Andy Cahill, the council’s director of environment, said: “We’ve worked hard to get this project to this stage and have taken on board the points made during the pre-planning application phase. The application will now be assessed and go before a future planning committee.”

If planning permission is granted for the new facility, it is proposed that work would begin in early 2022. The current facility would continue operating during the construction period until the new facility opened in 2024.