A task and finish group established by Luton Borough Council's (LBC) overview and scrutiny board has published its study into the proposed development of a new aquatic centre.

The report and its 15 recommendations, which has concluded that the project would provide a "substantial improvement" to existing facilities, will now be considered by the council's executive on 21 June. However, the task and finish group's report also said that finances will have to be tightly controlled to ensure the development is built on time and within the £26m budget.

LBC's Sid Rutstein, chair of the task and finish group, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those residents who responded to our consultation. There were more than 500 replies, which is the highest response ever to an overview and scrutiny review." An Olympic-sized swimming pool, a diving centre and a fitness suite are among plans for the proposed Luton Aquatic Centre, which were unveiled in late 2008.