HAWKHILLS Emergency Planning College, near Easingwold, could receive a long-awaited facelift if plans to build new accommodation blocks are approved.

Plans for new accommodation blocks and a number of small lecture theatres have been submitted by the Home Office for the college.

If approved, all of the college's ageing accommodation will be replaced by 101 modern en-suite bedrooms.

No decision on the future of the old annexes has yet been made, but it is thought they could be converted.

If construction goes ahead, the building, which is already some distance from the road, will continue to be screened by trees and shrubs.

"The Home Office have spent a long time preparing this application and obviously feel it would be a benefit to the college's future," said a Hambleton Council spokesperson.

"The accommodation is rather basic and although they already have a lecture theatre, smaller conference rooms are needed."

The plans have been well received by town councillors, who voiced unanimous support for the scheme.

"The college is obviously vital to the economy of this town and therefore these plans are good news," said Coun Geoff Ellis.

"We can't see any reason why we as a council would object."

Coun Jennifer Clare said the modern design of the buildings was very interesting.

"It's an exciting project for Easingwold," she said.

The college, which runs three to four-day courses in contingency planning for local and central government staff, has not been updated for some years.

Coun Peter Coomer said the town council generally received the proposal very well.

"It's interesting architecture and we welcome the news Hawkhills is expanding," he said.

"It can only benefit the town."

No date has been given for a decision on the proposal.

Updated: 10:39 Thursday, November 21, 2002