A job-creating joint venture to develop land at Hawksmead Business Park in Barleythorpe has been given the green light.

A planning application submitted by Oakham-based C&M Retail Group and Moores Estate Agents - to build an industrial unit with retail sales for C&M Tractors, a vehicle showroom for start-up C&M VSS and two offices for Moores - was approved by Rutland County Council's planning and licensing committee on Tuesday.

The combined development will create at least 20 new jobs.

Moores will create a 'Property Hub' comprising Moores Commercial and Moores Equestrian and Country as well allied services including financial, photography, conveyancing/home extension design, rent a van removals and accounts.

The local business will continue to maintain a high street presence.

Vernon Moore, owner of Moores Estate Agents, told Oakham Nub News: "The estate agency business has changed in recent years, with more people looking online.

"Centralising our services in one place will make it more convenient and easier for buyer and sellers and, of course, there will be parking on-site.

"We are ready to push the button to get the building work underway and hope to be moved in by the end of the year."

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C&M Tractors - celebrating it's 49th year based in Oakham's Station Approach - along with sister start-up C&M VSS will move into a new purpose-built home on the development.

When the vehicle sales and servicing venture is established it will relocate to another new-build unit on the site.

Tim Allen, director of C&M Tractors, said: "We have been struggling for space for the last 20 years but no suitable alternative site was coming up.

"We don't want to move out of the area and so we are very excited and delighted the application has been approved.

"We are looking forward to getting started on the site and moving into purpose-built premises."