CONTROVERSIAL plans to transform a Hampshire sports facility have taken a giant leap forward after receiving another cash boost.

Sport England has given members of Lymington Sports Association (LSA) £50,000 towards the cost of refurbishing and extending the 30-year-old pavilion in Woodside Park, Lymington.

It follows an earlier award of £190,000 and means the LSA now has most of the money it needs to proceed with the scheme.

Plans to upgrade the ageing pavilion were approved by New Forest District Council earlier this year.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Lymington and Pennington Town Council has agreed to lease the building to the LSA, an umbrella organisation that represents more than 800 sportsmen and women in the area.

But critics say the new-look facility will attract too many people to the area, ruining its peace and tranquility.

Some of the objectors attended a meeting of the district council’s planning committee in a last-ditch attempt to block the scheme.

Daily Echo:

An artist's impression of the new pavilion

They cited a shortage of parking spaces in the area and also claimed that the proposed development would disturb Woodside’s wildlife, including protected species such as owls and bats.

Two Lymington councillors also criticised the application.

Cllr Elizabeth Lewis said: “People using the pavilion will travel there by car because of its location. Highway officers should be more concerned.”

Cllr Tony Swain added: “Any significant increase in activity is going to put pressure on a precious rural asset.”

A report to councillors confirmed that the application had sparked 44 letters of objection, plus a 30-name petition, but added that the scheme had also attracted 236 letters of support.

Cllr Mike Thierry said the pavilion needed upgrading, adding: “Objectors are anticipating a load of trouble, but we should be seeing a load of solutions.”

The proposed development, which includes bigger changing rooms and better showers, was approved by 16 votes to two.

Now LSA members are celebrating again following the £50,000 handout from Sport England.

LSA chairman Mark Seamer said: “This grant gives us an amazing opportunity to drive the London 2012 Olympic legacy forward and not only inspire our generation but, more importantly, generations to come.”

Treasurer Kyle Williamson said the grant was evidence that the LSA had national support for its plans.

He added: “We look forward to building not only an outstanding facility but a quality sporting legacy for Lymington. We firmly believe in fostering communities and the commitments that we made to the town go deeper than just Woodside.”

The cost of the work has not been revealed because the scheme has gone out to tender, but is believed to be about £245,000.