The centre’s de facto owner Seven Capital has submitted an application for planning permission to reconfigure the centre, closed permanently since late 2022, which includes putting a new skin over the existing pool dome, but which would see the existing sports hall, squash courts demolished, with that space used instead for all-weather multi-use sports pitches.
Aside from the pool, Seven Capital proposes a café, gym, bowling alley and indoor golf as indoor ‘dry side’ facilities.
But that does not impress Sport England.
It has objected to the application on the grounds of the removal of the sports hall and squash courts.
The quango’s objection says: “The most recent National Planning Policy Framework is very clear on how planning applications that affect sports facilities should be considered.”
The sports body quotes the NPPF which says sports facilities, playing fields and buildings should not be built unless they are surplus to requirements or will be replaced by equal or better provision.
The objection letter continues: “There is a lack of justification for the loss of the squash and sports hall. While there may be sports halls with community access on school sites, that access is limited to out-of-school hours which given the high population who are economically inactive and therefore have limited access to school sports halls would not meet their sporting demand.”
Sport England goes on to say Swindon Borough Council should carry out work to find a replacement for the lost squash courts.
And it continues: “As with the 2022 planning application there is a real lack in detail in the layout and explanation on how the centre will work Sport England objects to this application, as it is not considered to meet the objective of keeping sports facilities open.
It adds: “Sport England will reconsider its position if the applicants can provide robust justification for the loss of the sports provision or replace it either wholly off-site or partially on-site/partially off-site.”
“Sport England is willing to work with SBC to create a robust indoor sports facility strategy. If this application is to be presented to a Planning Committee, we would like to be notified in advance of the publication of any committee agenda, reports and committee dates.”
The deadline for comments on the application is Sunday January 12.
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