Plans have been submitted to improve and extend a Derby social club which was almost turned into a place of worship last year.

Sinfin Moor Social Club in Arleston Lane re-opened this week and the new owners are committed to restoring it as a "key local community facility".

The submission of new plans follows 12 months of uncertainty for the 46-year-old social club, which began when a planning application was submitted to Derby City Council last October to turn it into a Sikh Gurdwara, attracting dozens of objections.

Despite the opposition, the council gave the plan the go-ahead but in December a shareholder in the club, Sanjeev Chopra, agreed to buy out his former partner and take full ownership of the club.

He has now sold the club's lease on to Sohan Perdesi, who intends to run it as a social club and family pub again, ending its possible conversion into a place of worship.

Mr Perdesi has now applied for permission to change the use of the building back again to a club and also to extend the function room to accommodate 500 people.

The extension would have timber-effect cladding, level access throughout and would create two new entrances from the large car park.

Bifolding doors and glazing would look out onto a green space and 14 members of staff would be employed.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Perdesi, son Rick Perdesi said: Our family is delighted to have opened our doors for the local community for the first time on Monday night.

"We have worked hard over recent months to get to this position and will be investing significantly more into the club once planning permission is hopefully granted for an extension and refurbishment."

The venue is hoping to stage charity, comedy and party nights, as well as be available for hire for events.

Councillor Baggy Shanker, who represents Sinfin ward, said: It was great to join the Perdesi family and local people at the reopening and I wish them all the best for the future.

"I am positive they will receive lots of local support as many people contacted me when the club was shut down, its an invaluable asset for the whole community and Im delighted it will remain a local family facility for all to enjoy."

The club carried on trading until earlier this year and remained closed throughout the lockdown, which started in March. It is now open again seven days a week.

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New lease of life and investment for Derby social club - Derbyshire Live