Thursday 19 February 2015 16:50, UK
Castleford's plans for a new stadium beside the M62 have been approved by Wakefield Council.
Members of the Council's planning committee voted unanimously to back an outline application for the £135m Five Towns Park development including shops, a park and a new 10,000-seat home for the Tigers.
And it is now down to Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Local Government, to give the final go-ahead or call a public inquiry.
"It's a bit like getting over Becher's Brook," said Castleford chief executive Steve Gill. "It's a massive relief considering the amount of time and effort that has been put in to get to this stage.
"There's still a fair way to go but the vote was unanimous and I hope that will be taken into account when it goes before Eric Pickles. It's a major step towards getting a new stadium and providing nearly 2,000 jobs which will transform the area."
Castleford's current Wheldon Road home was damaged by storms in January, and Gill says a new stadium is essential if the club is to retain Super League status in future.
Work on Five Towns Park could begin later this year if the Secretary of State agrees.
