Council applies to build hub on playing field

Use of the playing field is "minimal", the council said

A council has applied to build a community centre on a playing field, releasing land for housing.

The new building would replace the nearby Fareham North West Community Centre in Hampshire.

Fareham Borough Council said some of the sports pitch area would be lost, but new toilet facilities and drainage would improve usage.

The old community centre site will eventually accommodate 55 affordable homes, according to the council's Fareham Park masterplan.

The new larger community centre will be a more energy-efficient, single-storey building, the council said.

The sports pitches will be moved to the south of the playing field area, it added.

The authority's planning application said: "The proposals will result in the loss of playing pitch area to a maximum of 1000m2 (0.1 ha) from a total area of 2.6 ha for the open space itself.

"Currently the use of the main pitch and training pitch is minimal and limited to use by one grass-roots club over the weekends, due to poor drainage and the lack of toilet facilities.

"The provision of toilet facilities combined with the Council's commitment to improve the pitch drainage... will offer a much-improved playing experience."

Details of the outline application will be finalised once of the future of the adjoining Henry Cort Community College is known, the council said.

Hampshire County Council is considering moving the school to Whiteley to meet the needs of the growing population there.