THE key elements of a proposed flagship sports village development in Leigh have been recommended for approval by planning chiefs.

A report to be discussed at a special meeting of Wigan Planning Committee on Friday indicates that conditional outline approval can be given to the project sites at Marshall Street, Grasmere Street, Holden Road and Howe Bridge.

The scheme involves the replacement of Wigan and Leigh College; a 10,000 capacity stadium for Leigh Centurions and Leigh RMI; state-of-the-art athletics facilities; pitches and clubhouse for Leigh East ARL; housing; offices; leisure facilities and retail outlets at the Marshall Street site.

Other parts of the project would see retail development built on the Leigh East ground in Grasmere Street; housing at the Leigh Harriers' site in Holden Road and additional soccer and rugby pitches near Howe Bridge Sports Centre.

But, the report warns, unless all elements are given planning permission, the central scheme at Marshall Street would be "unviable". Funding for the multi-million pound sports village is provided from two main sources - selling the land currently occupied by all the scheme's partners and from grants.

Developer Greenbank Partnerships Ltd said the project will provide more than 2,000 full and part-time jobs once completed.

There have been 285 letters of objection and 10,988 people have voiced their support through letters and petitions.