Reigate and Banstead Borough Council (RBBC) has approved detailed plans for the development of a new leisure centre on the site of a former school in Horley, Surrey.

The multi-million pound scheme was awarded outline planning consent in March last year, although proposals were referred to the Government Office for the South East for consideration. Existing buildings at the former Court Lodge Secondary School are set to be demolished during June in preparation for the start of work on the new leisure centre.

Facilities planned for the venue include a six-lane, 25m swimming pool with ramped access for disabled users; a teaching pool; a four-court, multi-use sports hall; a 50-station fitness suite and an exercise studio. Separate changing areas for males, females, families and disabled users and a reception are also earmarked as part of the development, as well as parking for cycles and 150 cars to be shared with Horley Town Football Club.

Energy saving measures - including a wood-burning biomass boiler; low energy lighting and wind catchers - will be implemented as part of the construction process. The town's existing Horley Anderson Centre will remain open until the new facility is complete in January 2012, before being demolished to make way for new public open space.

A RBBC spokesperson said: "The centre has been designed with environmental sustainability and accessibility in mind and although 35 per cent larger than the Horley Anderson Centre, its energy usage will be 30 per cent lower per square metre. "The council is looking to appoint a contractor for the development in the coming weeks, ready for work to start on site over the summer."