A £2million extension to Nelson's Wavelengths pool took a step nearer to fruition after Pendle Borough Council submitted an application for planning permission.

The council want to see a sports hall and gym and car parking developed on the Wavelengths site, which opened on central Leeds Road in Nelson 12 years ago, as part of a regeneration programme.

The scheme has already won £200,000 cash backing from the North West Development Agency which marked a giant leap forward in the drive to bring the project to fruition.

The money was part of Pendle's £3million cash award from the NWDA which is aimed at boosting lesiure services, providing an arts and cultural centre, and renewing the Whitefield area.

The development would make Wavelengths a sports centre, with a sports hall, possibly separate male and female gymnasiums, a multi-purpose sports room and a creche in addition to the existing pool. There would also be a catering area and new changing rooms.

Working with Pendle Leisure Trust the borough council has now submitted the second stage of a lottery bid for the project, part of which requires an indication that planning consent is likely to be given for the site.

Once outline planning permission has been given the council can proceed to the third and final bidding stage in the summer with a decision expected by the autumn and work commencing later this year or early next year.