There has been long-standing deadlock over the future of the site, with plot-holders opposing Harborough District Council’s intentions to move the allotments to Moorbarns Lane to make way for housing.

But at a meeting of Lutterworth Town Council on Tuesday Harborough Conservative group’s new leader Alistair Swatridge revealed that purchase of the Moorbarns Lane site could be finalised next month.

The issue has come to a head because the option to purchase the site, taken by the council in September 2005 at a cost of £10,000, expires on September 20.

If the council has not bought the land by that time it will lose the money.

Now the all-Conservative executive – essentially the council’s cabinet – is expected to recommend the purchase to a meeting of full council on September 8, when a final decision will be made.

If the purchase goes through Cllr Swatridge said the council will press ahead with planning applications for both sites, seeking permission for allotments at Moorbarns Lane and housing at the De Verdon Road site.

Cllr Swatridge stressed this would be done only to investigate the viability of the options and that no decision on the future of either site would be made until after a public consultation process.

A target date of February 23 next year has been set for a final decision, allowing for the completion of business plans for both proposals and the public consultation.

Cllr Swatridge said the business plans would identify the costs and benefits of both options, taking into account any Section 106 community money which could be obtained as a result of a housing development at the De Verdon Road site.

He added: “We want to make sure the allotment holders know exactly what’s being offered to them. I want it to be a totally open and transparent process. Everyone will have the opportunity to discuss it at the planning stage and during consultation.”

The cost of purchasing the land at Moorbarns Lane has not been released because the council deems it commercially sensitive information.

Cllr Swatridge said it could be sold on for agricultural use if it is decided not to relocate the allotments there.

Speaking to the Mail following the meeting, Lutterworth town councillor Geraldine Robinson said: “I think it’s an excellent decision. It doesn’t feel like the decision is being railroaded anymore.

“The main thing is that people are given a say.