Council leader Mike Bawden said no deal over a new stadium had been agreed between the council, the developer St Modwen and Swindon Town.

"Over the years the council has tried to set up a deal with the football club about redeveloping the County Ground but it just hasn't worked out," he said.

"Nationally, there are six or eight football stadiums that have been built on tips so I think that's why Sue Bates suggested that site in the first place.

"The football club went down to the site two years ago to have a look and that was the last we heard of it until this year."

Coun Bawden said the council has made it clear to St Modwen that the public need to be consultated over the controversial plans.