A £23m expansion plan for Worcester Rugby Club is expected to be given the go-ahead this week.

The proposed scheme at Sixways includes a new North Stand, taking capacity to 13,200, a health centre and racquet club, a new car park, and replacement training pitches. There will also be a new entrance to the complex off Pershore Lane.

Wychavon District Council has the job of reviewing the application. Councillors on the local authority's development control committee will make their decision tomorrow, but a report outlining the plans has recommended they approve them.

The report, by council officers, highlights concerns including that it is on Green Belt land, the height of the north stand - at 25m it is a lot bigger than the other buildings - and the effects on wildlife and landscaping. But it concludes the potential benefits outweigh them.

Worcester City Council has also backed the scheme, and has even suggested the football club use it too.

A spokesman said: "As the rugby club is well established, it is sensible to complete the development to provide a facility that will be of benefit to the city.

"A stadium of such high standard should be given the opportunity for greater use and we urge the rugby club to liaise with Worcester City Football Club to enable the relocation of their stadium in the interests of increased sporting excellence."

The plans would make Sixways one of the biggest grounds in the Guinness rugby Premiership.

The proposed north stand will contain an open concourse in the centre with concessions stands, a shop, ticket office and toilets.

There will also be a hospitality suite, kitchen and toilets on the first floor, as well as balconies and bars on the second. From this floor, up to the third, will be seating for 1,860 people. There will be 3,174 standing capacity.

By comparison, the proposed Esporta complex, towards the front of the site, will include an outdoor pool and tennis courts, two of which will be covered by an inflatable dome, and a 250-space car park.

Inside, there will be a tennis hall, with six courts, a multi-purpose sports hall, an indoor pool, and a gym.

A new car park behind the main Warriors' stadium could become a park-and-ride site for the city, with fans having exclusive use on match days.