Wildcats' future in jeopardy as stadium plan faces major delay

At best, the decision will cause a substantial delay, but realistically even that cannot be afforded, given that the West Yorkshire club's hopes of securing another Super League licence now rest on its ability to move into the site at Newmarket, just off the M62, by 2012.

Along with Castleford Tigers and Salford City Reds, they are banking on ground moves to bolster their chances of staying in the sport's top flight.

Castleford yesterday received a boost – with Wakefield MDC ratifying their contribution of 2m towards the club's stadium project slightly further along the M62 at Glasshoughton.

They plan to submit a detailed planning permission before Christmas.

Wildcats chief executive James Elston admitted: "Rugby league has been synonymous with the City of Wakefield for 137 years; this delay could put that in jeopardy."

Wakefield – who will be tenants at the new community stadium – have confirmed that 2011 will be their last season at Belle Vue and they may have to play home games at Barnsley FC if the plans do not eventually get the green light.

However, that might not be enough to keep them from losing their licence with the Rugby Football League having already said at least one club will be promoted from the Championship with its decision due in July.

Chairman of the Wakefield and District Community Trust Sir Rodney Walker said: "I am astounded and cannot understand how on the day the Government confirm that planning decisions will be referred back to local authorities, this application has been called in."

Wakefield Council gave outline planning consent but the development is also on brown field property owned by Leeds City Council, who have received objections from local residents.