APPROVAL for a swimming pool in Locks Heath now rests with the government after Fareham council planners provisionally accepted plans for the leisure complex.

The Government Office for the South East must decide whether there is sufficient grounds to give up designated open space land to make way for the swimming pool and fitness centre on land next to the Locks Heath shopping centre.

Council planners agreed there was enough public support for the scheme to give up the land.

Councillor Jack Englefield said: "This is something that is very much needed in the western wards as social facilities are minimal in this high density area."

But he added his reservations that the facility wasn't big enough to cater for the demand. "We have waited all this time for this. I am concerned that it will be smaller than actually what is needed."

Despite outline approval for the complex that will include a 25m four-lane swimming pool, learner pool and fitness gym, the backing was far from unanimous.

Councillor Peter Davies said: "This is a sop to the people living in the western wards to say that these plans have been drawn up. There is no money in the capital budget for this so I am telling you now this will not be built."

Councillor Roger Price added his objection to the proposals. "I don't think that this council has done enough work to see whether it is needed.

"We have not really investigated what affect this is going to have on Fareham swimming pool which is our own facility. It could be devastating."

Despite the objections the outline plans were given the green light by the committee.