An Ibstock garden centre has announced plans for a family entertainment centre - to include soft play, indoor adventure golf and a casual dining restaurant and bar on its current site.

The Sunnyside Garden Centre on Leicester Road has applied to North West Leicestershire District Council for planning permission to change the use of an area currently used as an indoor soft play centre.

Now, the centre wants to expand - and a design sand access statement presented to the council supports the plans, saying it will add to the district's leisure facilities and create jobs.

The development also plans to add another 160 car parking spaces to the centre.

The statement says: "The proposal represents further commitment by Sunnyside Garden Centre Ltd as they re-invest to provide an improved retail and social provision to the North West Leicestershire District.

"Furthermore, the provision of additional leisure activities on the site will add to amenities within the locality.

"The local plan seeks to support planning applications that positively improve the vitality and viability of the local area.

"The district of North West Leicestershire has limited facilities for family entertainment forcing residents to travel to larger towns and cities for recreation.

"This application seeks to alleviate this problem through the provision of 'things to do' for local people.

"The application is an improvement to the existing multi-use garden centre site.

"The proposal will create employment and as such can only have a positive effect on the local economy.

"The range of activities on offer within the existing building are not available locally.

"Therefore there will be no negative economic impact caused by this change of use application.

"The building currently has use for a soft play centre.

"In addition to soft play, it is planned to extend the range of activities on offer within the building through the provision of an indoor adventure golf course.

"The building will also house a casual family dining restaurant and bar. This proposal will enhance the vitality of the local area through the provision of local attractions."