Major setback for community centre

They have slated the design of a multi-thousand-pound community centre that has been five years in the making.

The scheme for Hiltingbury Recreation Ground features a main hall suitable for meetings, plays, badminton and short-mat bowls, a meeting room and dedicated space for playgroups.

But civic chiefs could put Hiltingbury Community Association's plan on ice when they meet on Wednesday.

That could hold up an application going forward to get lottery cash for the project.

A report going to Eastleigh Council's Chandler's Ford and Hiltingbury Local Area Committee reveals that there has been only one public objection.

But it also says Eastleigh's head of planning and policy design Cliff Bowden has objected to the proposals.

While making it clear he supports the provision of a new community building, Mr Bowden says he is not convinced the right site has been chosen at the recreation ground and says there is no justification for 42 more car parking spaces.

Mr Bowden says: "The site has a history of antisocial behaviour, particularly after dark, and the relatively remote location of the new community building further exacerbates its vulnerability to vandalism.

"The rationale behind the location of the building may be one led by financial constraints but this should not be at the expense of design and accessibility for what will hopefully be an important community facility."

Pointing out that the project was a partnership scheme between Eastleigh Council and the community association, Councillor Colin Davidovitz said: "The disappointing thing is that this wasn't sorted out before an application went onto the agenda.

"We have been working for years now to get a satisfactory community centre for the people of Hiltingbury."

Cllr Davidovitz said without planning permission, the scheme could not be taken forward for a lottery grant application.

He added: "The right thing to do is to defer it until we get agreement."