CIVIC chiefs have confirmed they are ‘working closely’ with Sport England after a row over Winchester’s planned £38m leisure centre.

It comes after the city councillor leading the scheme, Lisa Griffiths, released a strongly worded statement attacking criticism by the national agency.

As previously reported, Sport England issued a “holding objection” against the planning application for the new leisure centre, citing concerns over the size and design of the sports hall, as well as a lack of detail relating to its football pitches.

In a statement, Winchester City Council said it was “working closely” with Sport England to reach an agreement on how to compensate for the football pitch that would be lost when the proposed centre is built.

It added the proposal would see Winchester and District Girls’ Football League games, which currently take place at Bar End, played on improved facilities at the neighbouring King George V playing field.

Adult and youth matches would then relocate to the Garrison Ground.

Charles Johnston, property director at Sport England, said: “The city council has provided the further information that we requested and we are now examining it to ensure that it includes the necessary reassurances.

“We have a good working relationship with the city council and we are hopeful that we can reach an agreement ahead of the application being considered by the planning committee in the autumn.

“In our response to the application we stated that overall, we are happy with the proposed design. We also included some comments from some of the national governing bodies for the sports that will be affected when the new centre is built.

“The council has confirmed that they have been engaging with them, and have taken their views into consideration and made adjustments to the proposals where appropriate.”

Cllr Lisa Griffiths, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, added: “We have known for some time that the proposals to develop a new leisure facility at the Garrison Ground will result in the loss of a full-size adult football pitch and understand Sport England’s need to be fully reassured about our plans.

“We have approved a playing pitch strategy, which was developed in consultation and agreement with the Football League, the clubs affected and Hants FA.

“We continue to listen and work with our residents, partners and interest groups so this facility is one of which everyone can be proud.The council has also listened to feedback regarding the building design, and agreed mitigation work with national governing bodies and Sport England to ensure the scheme is acceptable.”

A planning application is due before the planning committee in September.