Plans for Swindon Town to build a training base in Calne have been put on hold while the club considers its future and its ability to grow and evolve.

The club has been negotiating with Calne Town Council about plans to move its first team and academy to the Beversbrook Sports Facility since April.

Planning permission has been granted for a £300,000 extension at the grounds to accommodate the club and it originally agreed to relocate by the end of October.

However, although the club remains committed to building a base in Calne it has revealed managers are also exploring another unnamed site in Swindon.

It now says it will only move once it has confirmed there is the necessary scope to expand and improve the site at Calne in future years if required.

Town clerk Linda Roberts said the delay was frustrating, but she had always made it clear that the club’s plans should not affect community groups using it.

She said: “They need to satisfy themselves that there is room for them to expand at Beversbrook in the way they envisage the club growing. Equally the town council have to ensure that Beversbrook remains the community facility it is now.

“The town council cannot offer Swindon Town Football Club exclusivity of any part of the Beversbrook facility, the priorities of Calne’s community have to come first.”

The extension to the community hall and pavilion at Beversbrook would provide extra changing rooms, a treatment room, a boot room and office space – facilities superior to those available at Swindon Town’s current home.

It has been suggested that the first team could train at Calne for a year while the club looks into the alternative position in Swindon.

Mrs Roberts said: “What it might mean is that we could accommodate some training before they decide to start putting an extension on the pavilion.

“We have been meeting for several months now trying to iron out small things so it’s not a shock. It’s a little bit disappointing, but it’s key for both sides that we get it right, it’s worth waiting for.”