A multi-million pound gift to the sporting youngsters of a small South Lakeland village is hanging in the balance.

Wealthy would-be benefactor Dan Houghton, 83, of North Road, Holme, wants a field he owns to become football pitches, changing rooms and a community centre.

As previously reported in the Gazette, Mr Houghton's seven-acre field would have been worth an estimated £3.5 million with unrestricted planning permission.

Mr Houghton, the retired owner of a firm of building contractors, applied for change of use of the agricultural field to South Lakeland District Council's planning committee.

However, councillors voted unanimously to defer the decision to allow them to visit the site and allow more detailed plans to be made.

Despite the delay, several councillors were clearly in favour of the proposal to develop the site known as City O'Pinch, to the southeast of the village by the M6.

Coun Joss Curwen said: "I think this is a marvellous opportunity for Holme."

Speaking as a member of the public, the councillor for Burton and Holme, Roger Bingham, said there was a precedent for football on the field in question.

"Certainly, the parents of the current teenagers played there when they were young but there are some problems which will need to be overcome," he said.

The meeting heard those problems included: l The site's location outside the village's development boundary.

l The threat to a large tree on the field.

l The distance of any pitches from neighbouring houses.

l The parish council wishing to keep recreational land allocated for Pear Tree Park.

Three objectors wrote to SLDC complaining that, if the field became a football pitch, access to the field had to be changed; drivers on the M6 were likely to be distracted by fans shouting; footballs could be kicked on to the motorway; and that the village already had sports facilities.

Planning officer Barry Jackson suggested greater clarification of what was intended for the site was required and the councillors voted to defer the decision for a site visit and more detailed plans.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Houghton, Brian Barden said he would be quite happy to supply further details on the proposals to the council.