PLANS to transform Otley Rugby Club's facilities into the 'best in the north of England' are to be unveiled.

Otley RUFC members voted overwhelmingly last summer for the club to move from its historic Cross Green site to a new location beside the proposed East of Otley relief road.

Now the club is preparing to show the public more details - at a drop-in event - about proposals that it believes could secure its future for the next 150 years.

The multi-million pound move is dependent on a land sale linked to the 550 home East of Otley housing development proceeding.

It would deliver a a new club house, stand and pavilion along with multiple pitches, new car parking and improved access.

Chairman Paul Mackie believes those improved facilities would enable the club to reach new heights - while also boosting Otley's sporting profile.

He said: "After five years in the planning we’re extremely excited about these plans which represent a huge opportunity for the club and the wider Otley community.

"Investment in these facilities alongside delivery of the East of Otley Relief Road will allow us to inspire the next generation and encourage sports participation across all ages and genders.

"These facilities are critical to allowing us to achieve our ambition of securing community rugby and national league rugby at Otley for years to come.

"This relocation is key to unlocking the town's potential as a first-class sporting venue, whilst allowing Otley Rugby Club to get ahead of the regional competition in respect of sports facilities and social functions."

More information about, and drawings of, the scheme will be on display at a Community Exhibition on Saturday, July 6 which runs at the clubhouse from noon to 6pm.

Mr Mackie added: "We believe this move will be the start of something really big for sport in Otley – not just for rugby.

"There is huge potential for many other sporting clubs and generations of young people to come to benefit from the new facilities over time.

"Our 2025 vision is to be a welcoming, inclusive and successful family rugby club in the heart of Otley’s community.

"Let’s hope the delivery of the East of Otley relief road allows this ambition to be brought to life."

The relief road, which has to be built for the East of Otley development to go ahead, would connect the A659 Pool Road with the A660 Leeds Road.

It is expected to cost £25 million in total.

Leeds City Council's Executive Board agreed last week to effectively underwrite the initial costs of the road, to the tune of £6.3 million, which it aims to recoup by imposing a levy on the developers hoping to build on the site.