PLANS for a massive redevelopment and building project at Nelson and Colne College have been approved by college bosses.

The scheme for Reedyford campus includes the construction of purpose-built accommodation.

This would make range of courses for school leavers and adults available on one site at Reedyford, housed in new or refurbished buildings, which would be more convenient for students who currently have to travel between the Barrowford Road site in Colne and the Reedyford site.

The Barrowford site will be closed but the college's smaller community centres in the borough will remain open.

The plans will now go to the Lancashire Learning Skills Council for consideration.

A decision on whether to support the project is expected by the end of January.

Work would then start in the summer and be complete by 2006.

Colleg pirincipal Kath Belton said: "If we are able to secure the funding it will be fantastic news for us and the local community.

"The proposed development will dramatically enhance the image of the college and the service we provide for our learners and will take further education in the Pendle area forward for the next 25 years."

Nelson and Colne College is ranked within the top 15 per cent of colleges in the UK for A-level success rates and has been recognised nationally with a number of awards, including Charter Mark, Investors in People and a Beacon Award.