DEVELOPERS hoping to build a huge sports and leisure village in Bromley Cross have been warned that they face a “big challenge” to make their plans become a reality.

Councillors met with developers’ representatives from Bromley Cross Developments Ltd yesterday.

Their discussions were described as “productive”.

But the politicians warned that the group that they may face difficulties because the land they want to build on, at the former Holland Gardening Centre, lies in the green belt.

The multi-million pound sports and leisure village could see a number of all-weather pitches created, as well as a gym, car parking, an Aldi food store and a restaurant.

Bromley Cross Cllr David Greenhalgh said: “Myself and my fellow ward councillors had a very productive meeting with the developers and a lot of important questions were answered.

“The really big challenge for them is that to be able to build on green belt land you have to prove that there are exceptional circumstances to do so; that is the law.”

Developers insist they want the public to shape their plans and will stage a public exhibition at the Holland Gardening Centre next Tuesday from 3pm until 7pm.

Cllr Norman Critchley said it was vital that people attended the meeting and gave their opinions.

He said: “It is important that as many people as possible go and look at the plans.

“When they have done so I would like them to give their opinions to the ward councillors.

“I think we have got to hear what they have to say.

“It is no good people creating rumours – that gets us nowhere.”

If the plans get the go ahead, a new restaurant will be created on the site by Touchwood Restaurants Ltd, a venture between the Joseph Holt brewery firm and entrepreneurs John Winder and Gary Douglas.

Mr Winder said: “We are very excited about potentially being involved in what is a super scheme.

“We are really proud to be involved and believe that this would be a great opportunity for what we do.

“We are not a brand. What we try and do is tailor the facilities to the needs of the local area and we really want to understand what local people need.”

He says the restaurant could provide up to 80 jobs for people, with half of those being full-time posts.