A DEFUNCT firing range could be converted into a teaching space and gym if plans are approved by Colchester Council.

The building, which is part of the Colchester Army Reserve Centre in Circular Road East Lower, is described in planning documents as redundant.

The application was filed last month by East Anglia Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, with the Cambridge-based AMA Architects putting together the planning documents together on the force’s behalf.

If the new plans are approved, the building would become what is described as a "much needed teaching space and gymnasium" which will be used by the various army reserve units housed on the site.

The building itself will not be changed massively, although ten new windows will be added to one side of the building so it receives natural light and ventilation for a gym setting.

A short section of the planning document was dedicated to explaining how the development would be sustainable.

It read: "The existing walls of the firing range will be lined with new insulation, thus upgrading the thermal performance and airtightness of the building fabric and achieving current building regulation standards."

The consultation period ends in July, with a decision expected to be made by late August.