THE borough council will go ahead with plans to redevelop Basingstoke Leisure Park despite calls being made for ideas to be taken back to the drawing board. 

As previously reported, during a Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council scrutiny committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 14 councillors asked for the decision to be reconsidered on the grounds that the plan lacks vision when alternative options were put forward including a 50-metre pool, a snow dome, and a multi-use sports stadium.

The call came after the authority's cabinet decided to move forward with plans to redevelop the park, despite councillors branding the masterplan as 'disappointing', a 'missed opportunity' and 'unambitious'.

Last year the council unveiled a draft masterplan setting an overall vision to guide future development. 

READ MORE: Councillors to reconsider 'disappointing' leisure park plans

As part of the plans, a new Aquadrome will be built, while all other facilities including the ice rink, Milestones museum, cinema, bingo and bowling will stay in place with operators encouraged to improve and enhance the buildings.

During the scrutiny committee meeting key areas of concern were discussed including a lack of communication with the public, the need for a 50-metre pool, snow dome and a multipurpose sports stadium. 

There has also been confusion around the idea that the plans are just a 'framework' with nothing currently set in stone.

At a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, February 28 members reconsidered the plan after it was referred back to them following the scrutiny meeting. 

Cllr John Izett, the deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and property said: "We take this seriously and I am certainly taking it seriously and it is worth spending some time on some of the issues raised."

On the subject of the need for a 50-metre pool, snow dome and a multipurpose sports stadium he said "options are not currently viable" with no evidence to support the need for a larger pool.

SEE ALSO: Basingstoke leisure park: Plans will be reconsidered by councillors

He continued: "There are four 50-meter pools within short travelling distance of Basingstoke and many of those organisations wanted to close them."

Cllr Izett said there would be "environmental consequences" that come with having a snow dome and said a 5,000 seater stadium "would only attract about two concerts a year" with operators going to bigger venues.

He added: "A smaller scale commitment is better for the football club [Basingstoke FC] and would protect their finances and allow them to spend money on the players."

Despite the concerns, the cabinet agreed to go ahead with the plans for the leisure park.

Cllr Izett concluded: "I think that we should take note of the concerns of the scrutiny committee and we should be receptive if there is a proposed task and finish group but we should proceed as before with the decision that was taken and adopt the masterplan."