Plans for a new housing estate on a town's outskirts have been drawn up by the Society of Merchant Venturers.

If approved, the proposed residential area of Oakham would include 70 new houses, 21 of which would be offered as 'affordable' housing.

The planned estate site is a field south of Stamford Road, west of the roundabout connecting Stamford Road with Burley Park Way.

The eight-acre field is used for arable farming, but would become a "nature-led" estate under the plans, with green spaces to "support wildlife habitats, promote residents' health and wellbeing, and provide a new play area for children".

The plans have been submitted to Rutland County Council by the field's owners, the Society of Merchant Venturers – a Bristol-based charity founded in the mid 1500s, with historical ties to the British slave trade.

Today, the society supports communities across the Bristol area with additional funding for educational centres and community activities, among other projects, while denouncing the transatlantic slave trade with which they are associated as "abhorrent".

"The proposals will create a sustainable, attractive new community in Oakham," the application continues.

"A clear sense of place will be developed, building on the character of Oakham through high quality architecture, open space, and respect for the historic character of the neighbouring conservation area."

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To encourage outdoor activity in and around the Stamford Road estate, a network of pedestrian and cyclist paths would also be incorporated into the development, including along "green corridor" routes that would connect with existing public footpaths.

The estate would be divided into four quadrants by two main roads that converge at the centre.