Cherwell District Council has approved plans for a new 17-hectare (42-acre) outdoor sports complex in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

The scheme, which will deliver a range of sporting facilities for the town, was given the green light by the council's executive at the start of September. A synthetic floodlit 3G football pitch, a floodlit six-lane athletics track and tennis courts are included in the proposals for the sports village development, as well as a cricket pitch, three rugby pitches and a hard play area.

The complex will also include a pavilion with changing rooms, conference and catering facilities, and fitness and treatment rooms. Land for the project will be acquired as part of an agreement that will see a housing development to the south west of Bicester, while the council also hopes to source funding from Sport England and the Football Foundation.

George Reynolds, the council's portfolio holder for community, health and environment, said: "There's going to be a growth in sports participation, not only in the run up to the London Olympics, but also when the Games are over. Coupled with a growing population, we want to be sure that Bicester has first rate facilities that meet the demand." Cherwell District Council will now work with Bicester Town Council, Oxfordshire County Council and local sports clubs to deliver the project, which is scheduled to be completed in 2012.