THE £23m expansion plan that could make Sixways one of the country's biggest club grounds has been submitted for planning permission by Worcester Rugby Club.

The scheme includes a new North Stand raising the capacity to 13,200, a health centre and racquets club, amateur pitches at Offerton Farm, a new amateur changing building, extra parking, landscaping, new roads and a new entrance off Pershore Lane.

Unveiled at the beginning of June, the ambitious plans hinged on a three-year £1.5m contract with Warriors by sponsor npower, the energy supplier whose head office is next door to the ground.

It was hailed as a fantastic deal by rugby club chairman and financial backer Cecil Duckworth, who has acquired an extra 25 acres for the expansion, which will make Sixways one of the biggest grounds in the Guinness Premiership, covering 65 acres.

The club also has an option on a further 25 acres at Offerton Farm in case of future expansion.

Mr Duckworth has predicted that the development could make Worcester Warriors one of the best clubs in Europe, bringing more international matches to Worcester.

The proposed sport and leisure complex is a joint venture between Worcestershire County Council and Esporta Health and Fitness Club.

It will include six indoor and five outdoor tennis courts, badminton courts and a sports hall, together with indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a gym.

A new car park to be built behind the main stadium could become a park and ride site, with the Warriors getting exclusive use of it on match days.

General manager Charlie Little said: "There should be no problem with that, as it has happened at other rugby sites. It will work in conjunction with the county council, but the present application is for car parking and the council will need to apply for change of use to turn it into park and ride."

The plans now await approval from Wychavon District Council and it is hoped that, if approved, the development can be completed by the end of next summer.

"We expect to have 1,300 extra seats ready for the start of the 2007-2008 season," said Mr Little.