PLANS for a £3-million state-of-the-art leisure centre and swimming pool in Okehampton's Simmons Park took a big step forward this week, when town councillors agreed the ageing pavilion in the park would have to go.

Architects for the scheme presented an amended design brief for the multi-million pound project on Monday.

Council members have been told the Sport England Lottery Fund bid to provide the new complex was unlikely to succeed if the pavilion remained.

The project, including a swimming pool, fitness suite, sports hall and changing facilities, has been designed to blend in with the valley and make the most of the parkland vistas.

The architects suggested café facilities would be situated within the leisure centre itself — the pavilion site could be provided with open air seating and landscaping.

The brief has been drawn up in close consultation with Okehampton College, which is increasing its facilities to cope with up to 350 extra pupils in coming years.

As a result of this consultation, the new brief includes better access to the leisure facilities and complies with new advice regarding flood plains.

Architect Steve Rickeard said: 'I think between us, we have actually come up with a scheme that is giving us a really attractive leisure centre, and a contribution to the park as well.'

Cllr Perry Vallance, who proposed the pavilion should go, said he did so with 'more than a twinge of sadness'.

But the building, constructed in 1937, contained 'significant amounts of asbestos' and it would be far too costly for the town council to rebuild, he said.

'In the words of our mayor, the public would have to pay. We stand on the threshold of having a state-of-the-art leisure complex which will be the envy of many — please don't vote with your heart, vote with your head.'

Cllr Stan Stormont said: 'Let's look to the future — it's important for my children, and everybody else's children.'

Cllr Sylvia Westlake was enthusiastic about the plans.

'I think it's marvellous the way it's worked out, after so many disastrous plans,' she said.

Cllr Frances Luxton welcomed the plans but was concerned over the lack of shelter at the pavilion seating area.

She said: 'The plans are most attractive but I am not sure we are giving up on the roof of the pavilion too easily.'

Okehampton mayor Christine Marsh, who has been a champion of the ageing pavilion in the past, successfully amended Cllr Vallance's proposal. Members agreed the pavilion should only be pulled down once the Lottery bid had been approved.

They also agreed to swap a piece of land with Devon County Council — not only would this facilitate the leisure centre scheme, it would assist the town council with siting of compost bays and a tractor garage.

David Inman, deputy chief executive of West Devon Borough Council, which is leading the Lottery bid, said: 'This is a big step forward. Obviously, there is emotion attached to the pavilion, even though it is not in good condition, and the town council has had to come to a difficult judgment.'

Mr Inman said the Lottery bid has passed the part one stage where the 'in principle' idea of the Okehampton scheme has been agreed — part two comes in April when the plan is submitted.

'It is very complicated, but when you are talking of some £2-million of Lottery money, it's going to be the biggest scheme in the South West, so it has to be right,' he said.