Touchdown for rugby stadium plan

The Wildcats had billed yesterday's meeting at Wakefield County Hall as one of the most important events in their history.

Coach John Kear and a number of his players were present to hear a unanimous verdict delivered in favour of the proposed development at the former Newmarket Colliery site, near Stanley.

Although the outline planning approval is still subject to agreement with the Highways Agency about dealing with the extra numbers travelling to the site, the possibility of a public inquiry and the meeting of planning conditions, it means the club can submit a stronger case for a new three-year licence than if their application had been turned down.

Members heard the proposal by Yorkcourt Properties, which also includes a hotel, warehousing and distribution units, would create about 2,000 jobs.

There was a wave of objections to the plans and residents at the meeting spoke against the proposal, arguing it would lead to traffic congestion and should not go ahead as the site was green belt land.

Leeds City Council also opposed the plans, which are close to its boundaries.

However, the proposals had won major support and yesterday many fans gathered outside county hall as Wakefield Council's planning committee met to deliver its verdict.

They cheered when news came through that the proposals had been backed.

Speaking afterwards, Wildcats chief executive James Elston said: "This is fantastic news and is the biggest day in the club's modern history.

"We are aware that we have some boxes to tick, but now we can move onwards and upwards.

"I would like to thank all supporters, players and staff who spent three hours outside showing their support for the club and also to Wakefield Council."

Trinity Wildcats urgently need to relocating from crumbling Belle Vue, their home since 1895, in order to secure a Super League licence next summer.

Thousands of supporters had signed a petition calling for the 19m scheme to be given the go-ahead.

However 1,140 letters of objection to the proposals were received, opponents being concerned that roads could not cope with the extra traffic and it would form an ugly urban sprawl, would harm ecology and wildlife and would affect house prices.

Objector June Fender, of the Methley and Mickletown Residents Association, told the meeting: "We are very concerned that visitors unable to find adequate parking on the site would park in the surrounding area."

The council's decision to back the stadium plans also means an immediate financial boost for the club. It has an outstanding tax bill of 164,000 and an anonymous backer came forward this week offering to pay the amount in full if the stadium plans were given the green light.

Speaking after the meeting, the chairman of the council's planning committee, Coun Barry Smith, said members were grateful for all the representations received.

He also acknowledged the strength of feeling both of the club's supporters campaigning for the new stadium needed to keep Trinity Wildcats in the Super League, and the views of local residents opposed to aspects of the development involving green belt land.

He added: "The application is subject to a directive made by Highways Agency which means the developer has to work with agency to resolve outstanding issues.

"The application will also be referred to Government Office for them to consider whether to call in the application for a decision."

Wakefield's local rivals, Castleford, are also developing a site of their own at Glasshoughton, just two junctions along the M62.

Their chief executive, Richard Wright, yesterday moved to assure fans that a move into the ground by the start of the 2012 season remained on track.

Setbacks in the hunt for home

Supporters of Wakefield Wildcats have known a number of setbacks on the road to realising the dream of a new stadium.

Two years ago, they faced disappointment when hopes of creating a community stadium at Thornes Park had to be shelved. The Super League side, which must find a new home by 2012, had previously wanted to create a 12,000-capacity stadium.

But despite years of planning, the project had to be shelved because of the cost and the fact that it would not be able to meet the 2012 deadline.

The club is also facing financial difficulties as it owes 164,000 to HM Revenue and Customs, although a private benefactor had pledged to pay the outstanding bill if the stadium goes ahead.

If Wakefield had failed to gain a positive response for their longed-for stadium at the former pit site, hopes of securing a Super League licence for 2012-2015 would have been jeopardised.