BRADFORD (Park Avenue) has been granted planning permission to create a new 3G pitch at its Horsfall Stadium grounds.

The club submitted plans for the pitch, which would be suitable for rugby as well as football, earlier this year. The plans call for a 3m high perimeter fence around the site.

It is part of the club's wider plan to turn the site into a community sports hub, which also includes improved lighting, fencing, roadways, parking and some building work.

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The application has now been approved by Bradford Council.

Planning officers said: "The use of the 3 metre high weldmesh fence is supported and will provide a durable and robust outer perimeter which should reduce crime and antisocial behaviour within the grounds."

The club has previously said the cost of the new pitch will be in the region of £500,000.

The club has submitted another application for the site, for LED floodlighting around the pitch and the construction of a two storey cabin building for hospitality and changing room facilities.

A decision on that application is expected later this month.