A field in Swaffham could be turned into a new sport and leisure facility.

A field in Swaffham could be turned into a new sport and leisure facility.

It was agreed by the council at a special meeting last week to take time out to look at an alternative plan to develop a sports and leisure concept for Days Field.

It is a new concept essentially exploring the principle of putting together a number of services all in one place, to see if the economies of scale and shared footfall can deliver a viable project that could meet the Towns needs for Sport, Leisure, Community, Civic, Heritage and Visitors to the Town.

The Council has recently re-applied for planning permission for a development of 51 houses on the site.

Town mayor, Jill Skinner, said: "The town is in a unique position at the present time with so many things up in the air, we are awaiting the sports and leisure feasibility report from Breckland Council, we have the Green Britain Centre still closed and the future is uncertain.

The concept put forward explores putting together a number of services all in one place to see if more people visit the area.

Mrs Skinner said: "It is time for our town to prepare itself for the future, we have made a good start with our Neighbourhood Plan, now it is right for us all to be more proactive to shape the kind of town we want for our children and grandchildren."

She added: "All we ask of people is when we come and talk to you, please approach this with an open mind, this could be exciting for the town, so let's enjoy the ride together, we all want what is best for our town."

The town council said it planned to resolve the 'potentially controversial subject' of developing and disposing of the former allotment site at Days Field.

Town clerk Richard Bishop said: "We need to have those important conversations with all interested parties, to flesh out the details in a fully costed business and project plan.

"In theory it looks good and if we get the support we need, then we will have enough information to share with the public, who will have every chance to lend their support, as we need everyone pulling in the same direction.

"The set of circumstances we have at present are 'once in a lifetime' in terms of opportunity, so I am pleased that the Town Council have agreed to at least try."