PROPOSALS for a swimming pool in Locks Heath will move a step closer this week with planning chiefs set to give it the go-ahead.

The council-owned complex near Lockswood Shopping Centre will feature a four-lane 25-metre pool and a fitness gym that will be run privately.

Fears had been raised that the project would cost Fareham Leisure Centre more than £145,000 in lost income.

But the town's planning committee members have been urged to accept the proposals by officers.

The scheme will first have to go before government planners as it would be built on public open space.

Borough council executive leader Councillor Sean Woodward said: "This has not been done anywhere else in the country. It's a public-private partnership that will include a private health facility with a public access swimming pool.

"If there is no disruption from the government, then it could be built next year."

He added that six developers had already shown an interest in the scheme which will also include a learner pool and crche.

The council splashed out £30,000 on investigating whether the complex would be viable, including carrying out a poll of residents in the Warsash, Titchfield, Park Gate, Sarisbury and Locks Heath area.

The Warsash Residents Association has thrown its weight behind the project but has suggested a skateboard park should also be included.

Concerns have been put forward that the new pool would have a negative impact on Fareham's existing facility in the town centre as 75 per cent of the catchment area would overlap.

Councillor Woodward insisted residents in the Western Wards needed the new complex.

The application will go before the council's planning development control committee on Wednesday.