WHILST the recent reporting and spate of letters on the leisure centre has focused on the loss of the swimming pool for up to two years, a cursory look at the initial planning application does not make good reading for those who love Andover.

There was a promise of increased facilities but the new centre appears to promise more of the same rather than any enhancement.

The proposed centre is actually smaller than the current one and there are serious questions over gym provision.

Some facilities such as the Jacuzzi have disappeared.

The seating for swimming spectators has been placed near the training pool and not the main pool. As the seating appears to be level and not raised then it will be difficult for the spectators to see much.

There are spa facilities but these will now be located at the side of the main pool and may well not be available if schools are using the pool.

There is no provision for diving, yet Andover had a very successful diving club in living memory.

The leisure centre will be built up against the road along West Street thus obliterating the current soft landscape.

This is all set to be replaced by a transparent glass frontage, where people can look and see what is going on. So far this design idea has not been well received both because of privacy issues and also concerns about attracting those who are no longer in the full bloom of youth and carry excess puppy fat.

If the leisure centre is going to be the roaring success that TVBC and the contractor tell us then I am surprised that no additional parking provision has been made.

Parking space in the town centre has been squeezed as the number of flats increase, both due to new builds and also potential conversions from offices.

Within the central area there is no requirement under the current clever plans drawn up by TVBC to have any dedicated parking, and private residence occupants have to use public parking.

This is already squeezed as a result of Lidl taking back its car park, and the non-availability of the Magistrate’s Court car park during construction.

We also need to be mindful of the local residents in Churchill Place and Portland Grove. Not only will they be subjected to dust and disruption, but they will then have to endure the detrimental effect of an overbearing building close to the road, and the detrimental impact of lighting as the centre will be open from 5.30am to 11pm.

Public facilities such as leisure centres benefit from public input, especially clubs and prospective users. TVBC missed a trick when they did not insist on a proper public consultation. What we will have are briefings after the event. Again too little, too late.

Luigi Gregori, Charlton Road, Andover