COUNCILLORS have approved a design brief for a planned 60-home development on the Moredon Recreation Ground.

The green site is due to be converted into a £3.6m sports hub, with an all-weather football pitch, cycle track and new cricket pitches funded by sports governing body grants.

However, Swindon Borough Council says it will need to sell a 1.5 hectare plot of land to developers to build up to 60 homes to ensure the sports hub scheme is fully-funded.

To direct any future developers, the borough’s planning team has drawn-up a planning design brief. The document sets out how officers expect any development to look and feel.

The borough’s planning committee approved the draft design brief. Residents will soon have their say on the document.

Jim Grant, ward councillor for Rodbourne Cheney, spoke in support of the sports hub. The Labour Party group leader told the planning committee it was a shame the houses were part of the scheme, but added: “We’re happy to live in the real world. If we don’t have the small amount of housing we don’t get the green space.

“We need more sporting infrastructure in this town and we need much healthier residents. This allows that to go forward.”

Veteran councillor Des Moffatt warned there may be potential for litter, with those taking part in cycling competitions throwing litter into hedges around the Moredon track.

However, like Coun Grant, he backed the plans: “We talk about there being too many fat people and too much obesity. This is our chance to make a contribution.”

A separate planning application will be submitted for the sports facilities.