Government defer Castleford’s new stadium plans

Correspondent

Govermment officials have confirmed that they need more time to consider the development plans which include the building of a new stadium for Castleford Tigers.

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) was sent the plans in February, after they were approved by Wakefield Council.

The development, if eventually approved, would include a food store, petrol station, high quality shops and a country park, in addition to the Tigers’ new ground.

Costing £135 million in total, it would be built on land adjacent to Junction 32 on the M62.

The DCLG has issued an Article 25 holding direction.This prevents any action being taken on the application while the department considers whether or not its intervention is necessary.

“This planning application has been referred to the department by Wakefield Council,” a DCLG spokesman told the Wakefield Express.

“We are currently considering whether to call-in this planning case – having received requests to intervene. However, only a very small number of planning cases are called-in each year.

“This a very complex case, which needs careful consideration, and a decision will be issued in due course.”

Tigers chief executive Steve Gill is prepared to be patient, as his club’s new stadium saga takes another twist.

“I don’t see this as a setback, we have waited 10 years for a new stadium, so a couple more months will not make too much of a difference,” he said.

“We must remember that this is an important £135 million project, that will not only give the Tigers a new stadium, but gives the whole of the Five Towns area a massive economic boost in creating 2,000 new jobs, coupled with 1,100  jobs created in the construction phase.

“Along with 10 million pounds much needed investment into the highways, country park, and other community benefits, this project was always going to take time.

“We fully believe that we can deliver a prosperous future not only for the Castleford Tigers but also the community of the Five Towns area.”