A PROJECT to enhance the quality of a community centre in Ferndown has taken a step forward.

The scheme for the Barrington Centre in Penny's Walk, which is led by East Dorset District Council, has now reached the stage where a planning application has been submitted.

The local authority will have to assess its own scheme once a consultation period is complete.

If approved, renovations would include an extension to the front of the building to enlarge the restaurant and booking office, with a small extension at the rear to replace the existing public toilets.

The current public conveniences would be demolished to form a landscaped area.

The improvements make up part of the Ferndown town Centre strategy.

When the project was first announced last year, Cllr Mike Parkes said Ferndown Town Council could see "great potential for the development".