A proposal to turn Bell Hill Recreation Ground into a fitness centre complete with indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a one-and-a-half acre sports building have been dismissed as a "non-starter".

Members of Petersfield Town Council's grounds committee last week received a letter from Nightingale Estates, a privately-owned property development and investment company, which said it was looking for a six-acre site.

Director Jeremy Sandle told town councillors: "My initial thought was the Bell Hill Recreation ground on Beckham Lane, which has easy access onto the Winchester Road and the A3.

"However I welcome the opportunity of discussing this or any other sites which you feel may be equally suitable."

Mr Sandle said the fitness centre in Petersfield would be run by Esporta, a national health club and racquets club operator, with 61 clubs in the UK and more than 200,000 members.

Ideally the centre would comprise six acres, with a 65,000 square feet building for indoor activities, including 12 indoor courts, an indoor swimming pool, sports hall, dance studios, health and beauty salon, physiotherapy and creche facilities, coffee shop and fully-serviced restaurant. Outside there would be eight to 10 courts, outdoor swimming pool and parking for 250 cars.

Bob Ayer told the meeting: "The idea of selling them the whole of Bell Hill is a non-starter".

He said the company should be told that the land was not available and Mr Sandle should contact East Hamp-shire District Council's planning department.