PLANS to redevelop Cougar Park in Keighley have been given the green light.

The scheme features a new stand at the Lawkholme ground, plus facilities available for use by the public including classrooms, a cafe, fitness studio and health suite.

Around £2.25 million has been awarded towards the project from Keighley Towns Fund, a pot of Government money.

The proposals, approved by Bradford Council, are a revised version of an original scheme put forward before Keighley Cougars' relegation from the Betfred Championship.

But Ryan O'Neill, the rugby league club's chief executive officer, says the only "significant difference" is a reduction in the number of seats in the stand – and the new design has been "future-proofed" by being able to provide extra seating if required.

He added: "The redesign includes all the facilities from the original design, which will offer a fantastic community space for Keighley as well as the Cougars.

"This is an exciting project and we are keen to get shovels in the ground."