CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a £6m sports centre in Wootton Bassett look likely to become reality as councillors voted to back planning officers’ recommendations.

At a meeting of North Wiltshire District Council’s development control committee, members decided a council officer should have the final say on redeveloping Ballards Ash.

The scheme has divided the town.

Michael O’Brien, who has led a campaign group against the centre, shared the concerns of hundreds of residents over safety, privacy and finance.

“When making this decision we should not just focus on the gain,” he said. “We need to focus on the risk.

“In the current financial climate maybe more people should have focussed on the risk and not on the gain.”

But Wootton Bassett Football Club spokesman Ron Carter wants the development to go-ahead.

“The current lack of facilities mean we cannot cater for all ages,” he said.

“There is no room for growth for a girls’ team or disabled coaching.

“Partnerships with local schools are not possible.

“We need to relocate to allow our development programme to be fulfilled.”

The development is part of a deal in which Wootton Bassett Sports Association would sell its ground at Rylands Way to Persimmon Homes to finance a £6m sports hub.

That would be made up of a state-of-the-art, 26-acre complex on the northern edge of town.

A new ground for Wootton Bassett Rugby Club would replace the existing facility at Stoneover Lane and another 100 homes would be built at the rugby club site.

North Wiltshire District Council has received 173 letters from the rugby club and 53 individual letters supporting the development.

There have also been more than 100 letters of objection.

Sport England also supported the development.

It is hoped the hub will not only improve facilities for young people but also attract people from outside the area.

The council’s sports development officer Alex Muse strongly supports the plan.

He said: “This development will be regionally significant in terms of sport and will increase awareness and knowledge of Wootton Bassett and raise the profile of both the town and the sports clubs in the local community.”