CONTROVERSIAL plans to revamp a sports pavilion in Chandler's Ford have been lodged, sparking concerns over cost and parking.

An application has been made to extend the Hiltingbury Pavilion in Chandler’s Ford by Chandler’s Ford Parish Council, which has owned the building since 2016.

A new sports hall could be built with four badminton courts and space for five-a-side football and tennis.

The proposal also includes the refurbishment of the existing pavilion and removal and replacement of the first floor with a fitness room and two concessions rooms, plus a 40-space temporary car park at the Ashdown Road entrance for the construction period.

Cllr Alan Broadhurst, vice chairman of the parish council, said: “The existing pavilion is in very poor condition and changing rooms are not very usable.

“The pavilion itself has to be revamped and the idea is to create a new sports hall at the back of the existing pavilion to offer a variety of sports.”

Concerns have already been raised among residents over the design of the building, the cost and the impact it will have on traffic and parking.

David Pragnell, parish councillor, said: “Most people are very concerned about the economic side of it.

“I have no idea whether residents and the parish council can afford the running costs. One thing that the parish council hasn’t done is demonstrate the viability of the project.

“If we build it we will have to maintain it and run it, and if there’s not enough money to do so local taxpayers will have to pay the rest.

“I’d like to ensure that the project is financially viable.”

A decision is expected to be made by the Chandler’s Ford and Hiltingbury Local Area Committee this autumn.