The Stoneythorpe Polo Grounds have been identified as a potential equestrian training camp for the 2012 Olympic Games.

But to make this happen owner Dallas Burston wants to develop the site.

Last week, Stratford District Council accepted a materplan outlining and supporting his scheme.

It includes plans for a four-star hotel, hospitality viewing terraces, an indoor arena, offices and a new house to replace the existing Home Farm.

Dr Burston told the Courier this week that he intends to submit detailed planning applications for these to the district council within the next four weeks.

He said: "The opportunity of being involved with the run up to the Olympic Games in 2012 by providing training camp facilities is an exciting prospect which will benefit Southam in particular but Warwickshire and Stratford district generally.

"The polo ground falls within the Long Itchington parish and we would like to thank residents and the parish council for their support and encouragement in promoting what will be a world class facility for the benefit of all."

The site, off the A425 two miles from Southam, already contains six polo grounds, a chukka ground, a polo arena with a restaurant, two pavilions, pony shelters and stores, viewing mounds and platforms and a polo and golf driving range.

The Grade II listed Stoneythorpe Hall, which planners say is in a "poor state of repair", is also located on the site and has recently been sold.

Long Itchington and Southam councillors were consulted over the masterplan, which will be taken into consideration when planning permission is decided, and concerns about highway safety near the grounds and the visual intrusion of the hotel were raised.

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Southam Town Council also thought residents' views should have been sought.

But Long Itchington parish councillor Don Loughman said: "We are content with the masterplan and didn't raise any great objections.

"It seems like quite an exciting thing for the community. This is possibly going to be one of the finest polo grounds in Europe."

His colleague Coun David Williams added: "As long as it brings some trade into the village and Southam, I think it's a good thing."