LEADING figures in Tetbury have moved to stem fears that plans for a new community hall in the town are being railroaded through without consultation.

Concerns were raised by an advertisement in the Lions club magazine stating that developers would reveal plans for a new Dolphins Hall.

It said the "emerging proposals" were linked with the development of 250 homes on the Highfield Farm site at London Road.

Dr Tony Walsh, chaiman of the Dolphins Recreation Centre and a Tetbury Town councillor, wrote to The Standard: "I would like to make it very plain in words of one syllable that as yet there has been no discussion or acceptance of this scheme by the charitable committee of the Dolphins Hall".

He said the committee was in the process of consulting with local people and councillors.

"I can assure all residents that if there are plans developed for any enhanced facility at the hall any such plans will be the subject of full and open consultation with residents", he said.

Cllr Barry Gibbs, representing Tetbury on Cotswold District Council, said talks were taking place over the future of various facilities in the town. These included the Dolphins Hall and the town’s youth centre in The Chipping.

Cllr Gibbs said there might be an opportunity to develop the Dolphins Hall to include the youth club and offices for the town council. There would be full consultation.

"This could be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop the hall, but not at the expense of what people in the town want", he said.

Businessman David Krayem who owns one-third of the Highfield Farm site, said the submission of a planning application for the proposed housing development was imminent.

He said the proposed re-development of the hall would be part of a "Section 106 planning gain" agreement for the benefit of the town.

He said the proposed housing was in an area earmarked for the purpose. It would also alleviate local flooding.

"We do not want to change the town, but we do not want to see it stagnate", said Mr Krayem.

The Dolphins Hall was built more than 40 years ago. The Standard reported four years ago that Tetbury councillors wanted to join forces with volunteers to run it and transform it into a bigger and better facility.

The charity committee in charge said the building was beginning to show its age and that heating, lighting and maintenance costs were rising as a result.