Castleford Tigers have moved a step closer to a new 10,000-seater stadium after plans received council backing on Thursday.

The Super League side currently play their home matches at Wheldon Road, but could soon be on the move to the Five Towns Park area of the town as part of a development that would also include a country park, shops and restaurants.

Wakefield Council approved the plans, which will now be referred to the Secretary of State to make a final decision.

"Today's meeting enabled us to see the bigger picture and find what we believe is the best way forward for Castleford and for the district as a whole," said chair of the planning and highways committee Cllr Allan Garbutt.

"The plans have been subject to wide public consultation, in line with our planning policies, and we have weighed up the views of all concerned in coming to our decisions."

Council leader Peter Box added: "A new stadium for Castleford Tigers is long-awaited and - taken alongside the wider Five Towns Park development and supermarket plans - it means new jobs, new opportunities and new investment for Castleford.

"Developments like these are key to delivering the council's commitment to jobs and growth and I look forward to seeing the plans approved today become a reality."