Diss could be set for a leisure boost after proposals were submitted for a ten-pin bowling alley and cinema at an existing sports club.

The owner of Heywood Sports and Racquet Club has put in the plans for the amendments to an expansion project that received planning permission 18 months ago.

Chris Burnard, of Traditional English Properties, has submitted proposals for a six- lane bowling alley, caf� and single-screen cinema studio, in place of a scheme that has not yet been built for a swimming pool, spa, badminton court and fitness studio extension that was granted in 2010.

The plan would sit within the 675sq m extension footprint and could be open in early 2013, if it meets the approval of South Norfolk councillors.

Mr Burnard, who bought the leisure facility in 2008, added that the scheme would also result in an extra three or four new jobs at the racquets club and gym in Walcot Road.

'You have to go to Bury St Edmunds, Norwich or Ipswich for family leisure and this will encompass all ages and will bring another group of people to the site who are not coming specifically for sports.

'The existing club will stay the same and if you look at any squash club in Norfolk, they are annexed to bigger facilities. We hope to get started by the end of the year for opening in 2013,' he said.

The previous extension plans had received objections from 12 neighbours over concerns about increased traffic, lack of parking, and the development overlooking the nearby high school.

But Mr Burnard claimed there would be less pressure on car parking as a result of the proposed new development. He added that the first-floor cinema plans would result in a 50-seat area showing specialist films, not the latest new releases.

The extension will add to the sports club's three squash courts, gym, five-a-side football pitch, and tennis courts.

Residents have until January 25 to express their opinions about the plans to South Norfolk Council.