BBC’s development plans for their Elstree Studios are set to be approved at next week’s planning committee meeting.

The applications seek planning permission for three phases of development at their Eastenders set, to allow the construction of a brand new permanent set.

Eastenders records 120 hours of programmes per year, but the existing set at BBC Elstree Studios is in a bad state of repair.

Along with a number of health and safety issues, all filming needs to be carried out in high definition, which cannot be done at the current site.

A number of site improvements have been suggested under the first stage of development, which includes the creation of gym and club facilities, reinstating access from Eldon Avenue, and demolishing part of the restaurant and club building to make way for new BBC production accommodation.

As a result of these works, the Clarendon Road entrance will no longer be used as the main site access and will instead become the primary access for construction vehicles.

The second stage of developments is to include the construction of a temporary set on the existing car park for two years, to allow the filming of Eastenders to continue while the permanent set is under construction.

Works on the temporary set are scheduled to begin in April 2015 and are hoped to be completed by August 2016.

The third phase of the development includes an application for the construction of a permanent film set, which is being considered separately to phases one and two.

Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning committee is to meet on Thursday, June 19 to discuss plans, which are due to be recommended for planning permission approval.

The reports conclude that the plans have been considered acceptable as they adhere to planning conditions and will not be visually detrimental or have a negative impact on residential facilities.