FACILITIES at Down Grange are set to be up-graded in one of the biggest advances in local sport for more than a decade.

Last week's decision by Basingstoke and Deane's development control committee gave outline consent for re-development of the central area of the public open space.

Two clubs with some of the largest memberships in the area will benefit most - along with their supporters.

Basingstoke Rugby Football Club will have a new first-team pitch situated close to the athletics track and all-weather hockey arena.

Basingstoke and Mid-Hants Athletics Club will have an eight-lane track for the first time that will enable them to stage national league meetings.

Both clubs will be able to house their supporters in new grandstands and there will be additional parking spaces in three separate areas.

Permanent fencing of the new rugby pitch will enable the rugby club to more easily charge for entrance while floodlighting will also throw up the chance to have one kick-off time throughout the season.

Just to reach this stage has taken hundreds of hours of consultation and negotiation, involving club representatives and local leisure planners.

Moving the main rugby pitch means all the development will be concentrated in a central area of Down Grange with nuisance from floodlighting away from nearby homes.

The old rugby club stand will be demolished as soon as the new facilities come into use.

Officials of the three main users of Down Grange - the rugby club, the athletics club and the hockey club - have all welcomed the council go-ahead.