AS hoarding posts spring up around the site of Alton’s proposed new sports centre, Everyone Active has been accused by objectors of “jumping the gun” by pre-empting the outcome of the reserve matters planning application.

Yet to be determined by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) planners, the application has drawn 172 objections from members of the public compared to just one statement of support, as well as an objection (as reported in last week’s Alton Herald) from Alton Town Council.

Their concerns, based largely on the scale of the proposed facility and its ability to meet the needs of Alton and its wider catchment area over a design life of 60 years, are backed by Sport England, which has objected on grounds of failure to protect existing facilities and to secure adequate replacement.

Feelings are running high over what some view as the company’s failure to listen to what the local community wants and needs from a new facility.

While Alton and District Sports Council chairman Joe Walters believes it will be “a brave council” to ignore the warning from Sport England that the proposal must conform to the National Planning Policy Framework which states that any application of this type must “protect existing facilities, enhance the quality, accessibility and management of existing facilities, and provide new facilities to meet demand”.

Sport England highlights in particular the plight of Alton Squash Academy, established for 12 years, continuing to grow and competing in the Hampshire League, but which will see the squash court facility reduced from four courts to two.

England Squash has noted that “overall court provision across the district is reducing, putting significant pressure on squash participation” and has opposed the plans on grounds that consideration should be given to maintaining the existing level of provision.

England Netball has commented on the dimensions of the proposed sports hall and requires confirmation that it will accommodate at least one full-size netball court with minimum run-offs. It is unhappy too that there is no outdoor netball provision.

And Badminton England has asked for similar confirmation that the proposed dimensions of the new sports hall will meet technical requirements and clearance height.

The Football Foundation, on behalf of the FA, has expressed concern over the temporary loss of artificial turf pitch provision during the construction period.

Sport England has also received representations from other organisations and sports clubs setting out concerns about the facility’s inability to meet their existing, as well as their future, needs as a result of their growth and expansion. These representation include the downgrading of the climbing wall to a clip ‘n’ climb facility, and fears that the new centre will not provide for the needs of an expanding gymnastics club.

Mr Walters believes the erection of the hoarding posts before full planning permission has been granted will be like “a red rag to a bull” for those who feel their concerns are being ignored by Everyone Active, and that the potential “loss of sporting space, given the town’s huge sporting heritage” will do nothing to get people on side.

“The end game is that they have to make a profit out of this,” said Mr Walters.

But, with the existing facility well past its sell-by date, some clubs have stopped short of registering an objection, for fear that the replacement schedule will be delayed or the opportunity lost and have, instead, registered their concerns.

As Everyone Active was named Facility Operator of the Year at the Swim England National Awards Ceremony in Birmingham on November 11 – an award that recognises the leisure provider’s continued commitment to increasing the number of people who benefit from swimming – Alton Swimming Club has flagged up it disappointment over the lack of any meaningful consultation, between the club and EHDC, in drawing up plans for the new sports centre.

In a statement, the club said: “We feel strongly that the proposed leisure centre does not support Lord Coe’s vision for an Olympic legacy of increased sports participation. It represents an overall downgrade of sports facilities in the town, does a disservice to future sportspeople of the town and district, and removes the possibility to pursue some sports in the town that are available now.

“Our clear preference for an aquatic facility would be for an eight-lane competitive pool. This could be used to host a range of galas as well as permitting greater flexibility of usage such as allowing concurrent public swimming or swimming lessons and club swimming. It would suit the growing population of the town and district, the projected growth in our club, and would encourage greater participation in competitive swimming in the district.”

However, because the club is “desperate for a new facility”, members have chosen not to oppose the plans for the aquatic facilities in the new facility “on the understanding that the six-lane pool will include automatic officiating equipment and be designed to Sport England six-lane competitive standard guidelines, and that a learner pool with adjustable depth will also be provided.

“We believe that this would represent an upgrade to the speed swimming facilities in Alton,” the club statement continued.

Commenting, Everyone Active area contract manager David Love said: “It is important to us that we provide high-quality facilities and teaching so as many people as possible can learn and develop their skills in the water. Being named as Swim England’s Facility Operator of the Year for the seventh time reflects our commitment to this.

“The plans for the new pool have been submitted in line with a pre-determined facility mix. The pool space is not increasing, but it is dramatically improving, and will give opportunities for different activities to take place in the water. The 150 spectator seats, starter blocks and touch pads will offer more people the chance to swim at a competitive level by giving clubs the facilities needed to host galas.”

On the subject of the hoarding posts, Mr Love said: “Enabling works are being carried out to ensure the site of the proposed new Alton Sports Centre meets building requirements.

“Hoardings have been put up around the site with the primary purpose of keeping it safe and contained while these works are in progress.

“The enabling works include archaeological digs to ensure there is nothing of historical significance in the grounds, and percolation testing to make sure the site is capable of sufficient drainage.

“These works are required as part of the conditions associated with the outline planning approval. Conditions allowing the enabling works to progress have recently been passed. The results will be used to submit other conditions included in the reserved matters application.

“Should planning permission be approved, the hoardings will remain during the construction period.”