COUNCILLORS have slammed a decision to approve an eight-court sports hall at Winchester's new sports and leisure centre after the planned facilities were agreed.

Winchester City Council's cabinet voted to build an eight, rather than 12, court facility at the centre, set to be built in Bar End – the same number as at the current River Park Leisure Centre, which it will be replacing.

Cabinet members defended the plans, saying that the research indicated an eight-court hall would be sufficient.

At the meeting, held earlier this week, councillors signed off the plans for the facilities at the £37million leisure centre, which will include an Olympic-sized (50m) swimming pool that could be separated into two smaller pools, a learner pool and a water play area, in addition to the sports hall.

The new centre will also have a 'clip and climb' facility, four squash courts, a hydrotherapy suite and eight treatment rooms, two large studios, a spin studio and 200-station gym. Councillors added there would be a flexible space that could be used as a creche or soft play area, and cafe.

Criticising the decision, Lib Dem city councillor Eleanor Bell said: "The whole point is [an eight-court hall] will only give us room for one football court, whereas 12 courts would give us two."

Fellow Lib Dem councillor Malcolm Prince added: "How much extra would a 12-court facility cost us? I've spoken with Cllr Guy Ashton [portfolio holder for finance], he indicated that to have the other four courts was an additional £2m over 40 years."

Conservative councillor Kim Gottlieb also slated the decision. He said: "Cabinet's decision to proceed on the basis of a smaller sports hall than was previously approved is immensely disappointing."

But, cabinet members defended the move, highlighting research by Sport England consultants.

A cabinet report said: "The current River Park Leisure Centre has an eight-court hall; however, it is not compliant with Sport England guidance and is effectively the equivalent of a six-court hall.

"The work commissioned to develop a 'sports facility needs assessment' for the district has shown that there is an oversupply of sports halls... An eight-court hall... would meet the requirements."

Cllr Stephen Godfrey added: "To say that we can make up £2m when we're going to get the same quality of facilities, it beggars belief. We don't just waste public money."