SPORTS clubs are divided on plans for a former leisure centre in Spondon .
Telecoms firm Roscom, currently based in Bateman Street, Derby, wants to pull down the former Asterdale Leisure Centre to make way for a new headquarters.
The firm says its would keep the sports pitches open and build new changing rooms. It also wants to make alterations to access and car parking at the Borrowash Road site.
The pitches next to the derelict leisure centre are used by a number of teams. Some of those in favour of the plans and others are not.
Graham Street Prims FC and Leesbrook RFC have objected.
Bryan Wolsey, speaking on behalf of Graham Street Prims, said the plans to demolish a clubhouse and build new changing rooms were "ill thought out".
He said the new changing rooms would have to be shared with other sports clubs and that this would cause "difficulties".
He added that match days attracted up to 200 people and called for the plans to include more parking spaces.
Borrowash Victoria AFC, which also uses the pitches, was in favour of the plans. The club said: "We see the site as being beautiful once the work is finished."
Anchor Bowmen Archery Club was also in favour. Member Derrick Conway said: "The application includes the continued use of the surrounding grounds for sport."
Sport England outlined a number of concerns last July. However, a recent letter to Derby City Council's planning control committee said "significant progress" had been made.
Locals have also made objections. Ken Reeves, of Borrowash Road, lives nearby.
He was worried the development would lead to congestion outside his house.
Glen and Mandy Dickens, who live in Stoney Lodge, a property within a few feet of the old sports centre, were also unhappy.
Mrs Dickens said: "There are simply not enough parking spaces [proposed]. I feel that only having 56 spaces will result in overflow parking on Borrowash Road."
Mr Dickens said: "The sports should continue. Unfortunately, it is being used as a leve for an inappropriate development."
Steve Peat, of Wood Road, said he believed the site to be within the green belt and, as such, called for the plans to be thrown out.
A decision on the plans is expected in September.
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