Officials from a century-old club, which was burned down by rioters more than two years ago, hope to be able to forge ahead with a replacement building.

The plans for the new Manningham Ward Labour Club hit a hurdle last month which resulted in the club withdrawing its planning application for a new club on the Bull Royd Allotments, Allerton, Bradford.

Bradford Council officers were to recommend that Bradford Area Planning Panel refuse the scheme over concerns about traffic issues.

But today a senior planning spokesman said they will now advise the panel to approve the application at its next meeting on August 21.

"We are now satisfied with traffic arrangements," the spokesman added.

Club secretary Terry Mahoney said the club would be able to go ahead with the replacement using the £647,000 insurance settlement for loss of business and they hoped to start work as soon as possible if they get planning permission.

The club was forced to find another site after the fire in July 2001 because the insurers refused further cover if it was rebuilt in Whetley Lane.

The Council stepped in to offer the allotment site but had to ask Government officials to allow it to be built there.

Terrified people were trapped inside when the club was petrol-bombed during the height of the riots. They were rescued by firefighters.

Last month Mohammed Ilyas, 48, of Prospect Road, Wapping, Bradford, who was caught on camera setting fire to curtains at the club, was jailed for 12 years after being found guilty of being reckless as to whether the lives of 23 people were endangered.

Members have been forced to use other clubs since the fire and were desperate to get back to their new and bigger replacement, said Mr Mahoney.