Support for the Tigers Stadium

My letter of support to planning:

As a local member I support the application. I declare that I have no position with the club or any of its organisations other than I am a member of the Castleford Tigers Supporters Club.

I am unable to speak at the committee meeting because I have long standing mayoral engagement and therefore submit this written support.

As detailed in the report granted planning permissions have resulted in development in the area including Xscape, a shopping village and a hotel. This application for a sports stadium will complement the existing use.

The location of the existing stadium has resulted in problems with parking that were not experienced until the growth of car ownership in recent years.

By bulking up the number of visitors to this site just off the M62 the addition of the stadium will increase this part of the district as a major regional visitor destination. This will not only increase visitor numbers on the day but encourage visitors to return on other days to other attractions within Wakefield District.  

The movement of the ground from this part of Wheldon Lane that is close to the town centre will encourage development to the east of the town centre, close to areas, such as the former C6 site and the former school site at School Street that will provide a boost for the town centre. This boost will be helped by the visitors to the Glasshoughton site being attracted to the town centre, which in itself will encourage that growth.

The social value of this rugby league to the well-being of the town should be taken into account. The community cohesion and pride by local sports on a town is well established. The Tigers have a long history and are part of the town’s heritage and psyche. The new stadium is vital to the team being in the superleague. It is, therefore, important not just for the club and its supporters but the town as a whole that this stadium goes ahead.

In relation to highways issues, I understand these are covered by a condition of the approved outline application. I point out that there is a railway station and a regular bus service close by

Therefore, as a local member, and having read the report and associated documents, I support this application taking into account the conditions of this application and of the approved outline application.