The construction of a new training facility for Swindon Town has come one step closer.

Planning officers at the borough council have recommended its planning committee gives consent to the football club’s plans for a new complex at Twelve Oaks Golf Club when they meet next week.

The application – and a linked plan for an equestrian centre – on the former golf club grounds has been referred to the committee by Highworth Town Council, which is opposed to the proposal.

Swindon Town’s boss Lee Power wants to use the land on Lechlade Road for a £6m complex featuring a training centre, gymnasium and offices, eight grass training pitches and a full-size all-weather floodlit pitch.

The clubhouse would become the players’ restaurant.

The officer's report says it should grant approval, as the land was previously used by a golf course and using it for a football training complex would not have any greater impact than that use.

The report says: “There are a small number of residential properties relatively close and it is important to ensure that that the level of use would not cause unacceptable harm to the existing amenity of the occupiers of these properties.

“Overall traffic levels are predicted to be less than the previous golf club use and use of the pitches is not predicted to be intensive on a weekly basis.”

Neighbours have written dozens of letters objecting to the plan on the grounds of light pollution, noise and traffic.

And Highworth Town Council says it will damage the prospects of footballers in the town.

It said: “Football is a big part of Highworth with two successful junior and senior clubs which are trying to gain funding to build an artificial pitch for use by the community, clubs and schools.

“If this application is granted the Wiltshire FA has stated it would not fund a second pitch within the town.”

The town council says it has tried to arrange access for clubs and schools in Highworth but “all attempts at communication have been unsuccessful. The facility will be privately owned and therefore the community use would not be a priority.”

The linked bid for a horse training facility with for 20 stables with tack rooms, an open-sided barn with 30 horse boxes, all-weather gallops, paddocks and accommodation for stablehands is also recommended this be approved.