Funding for the new base at the National Bowl in Milton Keynes depends on the sale of existing land at its current headquarters in Bradwell Road, which is two miles away

A 102-home development has been earmarked for the organisation's existing site, despite it being opposed by Loughton Parish Council because of the effect it would have on nearby Lodge Lake.

"Legal issues" have put the brakes on the relocation and the plans could now be downgraded, the BBC reports.

Under proposals approved last year, the new Badminton England complex would include 17 courts, a 3,000-seat arena, athlete accommodation and a fitness club.

It was due to be completed by May 2015, and be part of a £26 million ($44 million/€32.5 million) indoor water park and sports village development.

The area around Lodge Lake would be developed into a housing estate as part of the proposals, something which has been opposed by Loughton Parish Council ©ITG



"If [the full value] isn't forthcoming then it would jeopardise what we could build and whether we could build it at all, and that is the position we are in right now," Badminton England chief executive Adrian Christy is reported to have told the BBC.

He added the organisation is hoping to be awarded grants but may need to scale down its plans to a 12-court arena.

It is understood Badminton England may consider a smaller facility at the Milton Keynes Leisure Plaza if its original plans cannot go ahead.

Milton Keynes council leader Peter Marland reportedly told the BBC Badminton England was "quite a bit more than £2 million ($3.5 million/€2.5 million) short", but downgrading would put the whole project in doubt.

Badminton England has not yet responded to insidethegames' request for a comment.