£135m stadium and retail development to go ahead

THE Government has given the green light to plans for the £135m development in Castleford, which includes a new stadium for the rugby league club.

The secretary of state has has decided not to “call in” the 10,000-capacity scheme, which was already approved by Wakefield Council back in February.

Because of the size of the scheme, it was referred to the Department of  Communities and Local Government.

It has now decided that it does not need to assess the project, and plans can go ahead.

Developers Lateral Property Group said the scheme could create 2,000 jobs.

Plans for Five Towns Park also include a 50-acre country park, shops and restaurants.

Castleford Tigers chief executive Steve Gill said: “It’s a huge relief to hear the application is not being called in, we are now in a great position to deliver the Five Towns Park project to our local community. There are a lot of excited people in Cas at the moment, but we still have a lot of work to do before we start the groundwork.”

Philip Lunn, managing director of Lateral Property Group, said: “We welcome the secretary of state’s decision not to ‘call-in’ the Five Towns Park planning application and to allow Wakefield Council’s decision to stand. This is a significant step towards the delivery of this development.

“I am sure that many people within the community will be delighted with this news. We expect to make further announcements soon.” 

Manchester-based HOW Planning advised on the scheme.

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