A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build 10 dwellings on an acre of recreation land in Ludgershall has been backed by planning officials at Kennet District Council.

The planners have recommended that the proposal to build the 10 semi-detached dwellings on part of Ludgershall Sports and Social Club at Astor Crescent be approved.

Although the parish council, Highway Authority and water authority have not objected to the proposal Sport England and 18 residents living near the site have made their concerns known.

Money raised by the sale of the land would be used to fund an extension at the club.

Planning policy says a small part of an existing sports facility can be developed where it leads to improvement of the remaining facilities and provides for their greater use. Even with the new houses the pitch area proposed by the club will still comply with FA standards, say planners.

But objectors have complained about additional traffic, invasion of privacy and the threat to trees.

Two other issues raised by the objectors are discounted by planning officials.

The planners have recommended the plans should be approved subject to a legal agreement requiring the club's extension is built before completion of the sixth house.