Questions have been raised over plans to develop a new community sports facility on land next to the County Ground.

They concern the use of public space, and the way in which money was allocated to the new all-weather pitch project, managed by the Swindon Town Football in the Community Trust, in partnership with Swindon Borough Council and Swindon Harriers Athletics Club.

Bob Wright, a Labour councillor for the Central ward, said that £1m of ‘Section 106’ funds – money put aside to help develop community and social infrastructure – which was raised by the council as part of the development of The Sidings housing estate on Ocotal Way was largely spent away from the immediate area.

He said: “The Conservative administration decided to spend £750,000 of it outside of the Central Ward.

“When I found out, we were left in this position where £250,000 would be left to go onto the County Ground facilities.”

As a result of the reduced funds and resultant delay in agreeing to develop the clubhouse, he believes the council ended up agreeing to provide more public space than they should have for the proposed clubhouse and all-weather pitch development.

Coun Wright said: “You can play cricket there, and hold community events like netball competitions, but you won’t be able to once this happens.

“They want to run a 3G pitch right up to 9pm, with floodlights on, in all weathers – that has caused division in the community.”

Highlighting other all-weather pitches already in Swindon, Coun Wright said: “How many plastic pitches do you think they need? It’s about money making, it’s about operations beyond the standard hours.”

The proposals for a new community sports facility on the land next to the County Ground took a step forward in October, after the council’s cabinet agreed to a 25-year lease of the land.

However, it has been the subject of controversy, with local residents saying they will lose access to a public park used for recreation and dog-walking.

And plans also faced an objection from the South Swindon Central parish council last year, before being redrawn and shown to the public in December.

A spokesman for the Swindon Town Football in the Community Trust said: “The Trust, in partnership with Swindon Harriers Athletics Club and Swindon Borough Council, will be submitting an amended planning application, to assist them in achieving their long-term goal of providing a Community Club Hub facility in the heart of Swindon.

“Over one hundred people attended the recently held third consultation event and the amended plans were positively received by the large majority of people in attendance.

“We will continue to work with the local residents to ensure that the County Ground recreational area will remain accessible and functional whilst delivering a wide range of community projects within a fantastic new sporting hub.”