Developer Hawksmead is seeking permission from Rutland County Council to build houses on the Showground, as part of a redevelopment of north west Oakham and the scheme it has drawn up would transform farmland to the north of Oakham bypass into sports pitches.

Oakham Rugby Club and Royce Ranger Football Club currently use The Showground and the rugby club, which has been based at the Barleythorpe Road site since 1966, is currently drawing up plans for a new site for the county council to consider.

The plans will include four senior full-size rugby pitches, space for mini-rugby and eight football pitches of various sizes for Royce's junior teams, as well as changing facilities for all the teams.

Steve Knight, chairman of Oakham Rugby Club, said: "It's in the hands of the council. Until they decide upon the Showground site we are in limbo.

"If that gets the go-ahead, Hawksmead are prepared to help us with a new site.

"I suspect it could take several months before any decision is taken but we have to make provisions.

"Then it will depend upon the economic climate but if all goes to plan it could be as early as 2012."

Mr Knight said Royce Rangers would move at the same time as the rugby club if it all went through.

With few other sites in Oakham that could easily be developed by sports clubs, backers of the plan hope that Rutland County Council will will give the plans the green light.

Spport England requirements could work in the club's favour because whenever sports fields are built upon, developers and planning authorities are obliged to find alternative locations.

Coun Peter Jones (Con), portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: "The council has an obligation to ensure sports requirements are fully catered for and we will take this into account when looking at the proposals for this new development.

"We need a full commitment from all parties to ensure we maximise this opportunity of providing new and enhanced facilities, not only for rugby and football, but for all clubs at all levels of sport.

"If the plan is approved the proposed new site will complement the facilities at the new Catmose sports complex, which is due to be completed by the end of the year."

Rutland County Council said the plan was at very early stages and would undergo extensive planning and consultation work during this year.

What do you think of plans to use land outside Oakham bypass for sports fields? E-mail rutland.editorial@jpress.co.uk.