A HAMPSHIRE SCHOOL could get more than £1m of investment if sports pitches are handed over to developers.

Hampshire County Council is considering swapping an existing sports pitch at Swanmore College of Technology, Swanmore, for another nearby field owned by Linden Homes.

The council would get £1.1m for the sale of the sports pitch, which it would use to transformthe new field into an all-weather floodlit synthetic turf pitch, as well as a full-size grass rugby pitch.

Linden Homes is applying to build 75 homes on the existing Swanmore College sports pitch.

The scheme relies on both the homes proposals and the changes to the new field getting planning permission.

Council leader Ken Thornber said: “Following the London 2012 Games, these pitches would help to build on that Olympic legacy and provide the college’s 1,251 pupils with enhanced sporting facilities.

“If both schemes receive planning permission, this would also allow proceeds from the sale of the land for housing to be reinvested into the college buildings.”

If given the go ahead the work could be completed by the end of 2013.