CRICKET practice facilities will be built on a Keighley sports site - despite initial objections from Sports England.

A planning application to build a four lane public open access cricket practice net facility at Marley Sports Centre was submitted in the Summer.

The plans have now been approved by Bradford Council.

It is part of an investment in the Bradford District by the England Cricket Board - investment that will also see practice facilities at Myra Shay and the creation of a £1.8m Urban Cricket Centre at Parkside Sports Centre.

Sports England had initially objected to the application, by Bradford Council, claiming there was not enough detail in the plan to gauge whether there would be enough space between the cricket nets and a neighbouring rugby pitch.

Plan to turn leisure centre into £1.8m Urban Cricket Hub is approved

The sporting body withdrew its objection last month after Bradford Council provided assurance the nets, which will be 27 metres long, 14 metres wide and four metres high, would be at least five metres from the rugby pitch.

There had also been an objection from a member of the public, claiming cricket balls could end up being whacked onto the neighbouring bypass.

The Marley site is to be developed as one of three sports hubs planned for the District - with more details of the plans likely in Spring.