CONTROVERSIAL plans to overhaul Fareham's footballing facilities are nearing the final whistle after a bout of extra time.

The result is simply too close to call ahead of a council meeting this week.

Members of Fareham Council's Planning Committee have the task of ruling on an application that has split the community.

They were due to make their judgement last month, but so many people wanted to have a say that the consultation period was extended and a decision delayed.

On one side, Fareham Town Football Club wants to overhaul its facilities at Cams Alders Recreation Ground by putting in new changing rooms, floodlights and a pitch barrier.

Improve It also says it will drastically improve drainage systems, resurface several community pitches that are unsafe for much of the year, and make two new all-weather pitches available for all.

FTFC has received backing from Fareham residents who believe the new facilities will help reduce youth obesity and anti-social behaviour, without any cost to taxpayers.

Residents nearby are upset that the plans would see public open space lost to accommodate a driving test centre to the site, which the club says would provide the revenue to pay for the other improvements.

The Driving Standards Agency says Fareham is in "critical" need of a centre for testing car and motorbike users, and the recreation ground is the only suitable site it can find in the town.

More than 350 people have signed a petition against the proposals, saying the increased traffic created would lead to unacceptable levels of noise and air pollution.

There are also fears a phone mast, which residents say already plays havoc with their television reception, would be moved, impacting on the nearby Rainbow Centre, a school for youngsters with cerebral palsy.

The council's planning officers have so far not been able to make their normal recommendation to councillors.

They say the outcome will depend entirely on which members feel is more important - upgrading community recreational facilities, or safeguarding open spaces and limiting traffic.

The planning development control committee will meet in the council's Civic Offices on Wednesday afternoon.