The club is currently losing £500 every week due to the high running costs of the outdated building and lack of trade.

And if a solution is not found, the club may have to shut. But at a meeting of Sharlston Parish Council on Monday, club president Elaine Brunt outlined ambitious plans, which could see land at the back of the Weeland Road club developed for housing and a new smaller club built on the site of the present building.

The plans could run into an early stumbling block as nearby allotments and the car park are on green belt land meaning it could be difficult to obtain planning permission.

Mrs Brunt, 56, of Woodland Avenue, said: “The club is in dire straits. The brewery (Carlsberg) have been helping us with loans for about 10 years – they don’t want us to close but they are not a bottomless pit.

“It costs a small fortune to run, heating and lighting bills alone can hit £4,000 a quarter. We need a smaller, more efficient club to keep us going and this plan will fund a new club and provide affordable housing.

“There has been a lot of development in Sharlston but nothing our kids can afford, we want affordable housing they can buy.”

Club accountant Neil Purves told the meeting the brewery would support the club if a viable plan was put into action.

Mr Purves said: “If the development gets backing then Carlsberg will continue to support the club. The stark reality is the brewery will sell it off and houses will be built in its place anyway. The only way this can go ahead is if it has the backing of the council.”

The club may need the support of the parish council and the wider community if they are to get the plan, which is in its early stages, to be passed by city planners

The parish council has offered to support the club and work together on its proposals for the planned development.

An open meeting to discuss ideas for a proposal will take place at the club later this month.