PLAYING fields near a proposed Hampshire leisure centre must be saved for sport, clubs have warned.

Housebuilders are circling over Winchester’s Garrison Ground as civic chiefs look to build a £29 million facility nearby.

Winchester City Council confirmed on Wednesday it still wants to buy the fields and keep them open amid fears that development would hinder access to a new leisure centre.

A public consultation has been launched over whether to refurbish the city’s crumbling River Park Leisure Centre or rebuild it at Bar End.

The proposed centre would be built on what is currently a play area, artificial pitch, county council land and part of the King George V playing field.

The neighbouring Garrison Ground, east of Bar End Road, is owned by Tesco.

The supermarket is understood to have set a price in the millions, reflecting its value to developers.

It was thought plans for a public buyout ended when the council ruled out building on that side of Bar End, but cabinet heard last Wednesday that officers are still trying to strike a cheaper deal.

Cllr Stephen Godfrey, leader of the council, said: “We continue to try and purchase that land and make sure that it remains a playing field for the foreseeable future.”

It came after a plea from Emma Back, chief executive of Winchester Sport, Art and Leisure Trust, who told cabinet: “The Garrison Ground needs safeguarding for sport and recreational use and protection from housebuilding, but it’s also vital for access to the site, particularly for those travelling by bus.”

Meanwhile, ward councillor Janet Berry urged cabinet to consult with residents in Highcliffe and Bar End over the proposals.

She said most residents were “unaware of the proposals and implications for Highcliffe”.

The meeting heard unanimous support for the Bar End project but sports leaders stressed the importance of top class facilities, including a 50m Olympic pool.

Sam Fulling, chief executive of Winchester City Penguins Swimming Club, said: “Whilst [a 50m pool] can support elite swimmers, this is just one small function and the public health need is strong. The ability to separate a 50m pool into smaller functions and change the depth mean that availability of pool time for both the publicans and private hire is significantly increased.

"If a 25m pool is built there would be no option to expand it.”