Quote Mikey T="Mikey T"And then there were three! www.pontefractandcastlefordexpre ... _1_3492662 Great plans and things are already happening down Post Office Road'" I think Featherstone Rovers may have inadvertently stolen the march on one of their SL neighbours, who were planning on revealing preliminary plans for their old ground at Wheldon Road during this week too!

Quote Mikey T="Mikey T"And then there were three! www.pontefractandcastlefordexpre ... _1_3492662 Great plans and things are already happening down Post Office Road'" I think Featherstone Rovers may have inadvertently stolen the march on one of their SL neighbours, who were planning on revealing preliminary plans for their old ground at Wheldon Road during this week too!

IA are you intimating that Cas are now trying to follow our route by updating Wheldon Road for the short term?

They are planning (as of early June) on submitting the planning application for WR on the 25th October this year. The date they have set in their own draft plan is for determination by WMDC planners in February 2012. This is of course 'their' draft programme, so WMDC might have different ideas! They have also made allowance within this programme for a six month period post February 2012 for a planning appeal or for a PI, if the application is called-in by the SoS.



I can't ever see them beating this programme... these things only ever go one way... and it is not back! Is this possible, yes, do I think it is probable, no! I think the best they could hope for is to get planning granted by mid 2012 to see them starting on GH three months after that, so late 2012, and therefore moving in to the new ground at GH for the start of 2014. So exactly the same time as Wakefield move into Newmarket, if the PI finds in favour! That is the best I can see.



The worst is indeed... how long is a piece of string! It could be well beyond February 2012 before this is close to being ready, in the eyes of the planning officers, to be put before the planning committee and then who knows what they will say in their report to committee. I would expect that they will be some high profile and professionally presented objections from Asda, Morrisons, maybe the owners of Carlton Lane's shopping centre and some other developers who have land available for future commercial development within Castleford and the SPA. If they don't grant permission I would expect an appeal and if they do, a call-in is always a possibility. but on this one... possibly not IMO (but hey, I have been wrong before!).



I think personally this will go through, in the end by whatever route, and if they can avoid a PI I would think Cas will probably be in GH part way through 2014 or start of 2015 season. If it gets called in... you tell me!



All this said, if the worst happens and NM does not get planning in March/April next year... then 2015 would be better late then never for Cas but equally, they are at the mercy of the planning gods and they might end up in the same place 2 years later!



Place your bets please while I spin the big wheel!





Incidentally, this is the reason that both Cas and Wakey should stay in SL, it gives them both the best possible chance of success at such a crucial time and they could both be in new grounds before and at least by the start of the next franchise period. If not, I think one of both would have to admit defeat and ply their trades in Champ 1.

Sorry, just read that back and understand why you are asking that question!





No, the plans for the Tesco on WR will be publicly revealed.

If ever at all now, to be fair... it is not clear though is it yet?







I think it was two separate arrangements but it was always on the basis of an effective draw-down on the plan to offer the land asset to both clubs. I also understand that Cas where made the same offer and given the same opportunity. So even if it was, and Cas didn't choose to take that opportunity (because of my guess posted earlier or any other reason), I am not sure what the issue here is?



I can see the argument, from some people, that no money should have been offered to either club... lets face it, there are plenty of people who think that, same as people moaning about the Hepworth funding etc. But are you being a little disingenuous by seemingly trying to make out that this a problem because Wakey did and you didn't... take them up on the offer that is?



As for proof mate, I am unsure to look other where I know you will have already looked. Can I suggest you write to your councillor(s) and ask them to ask the question of the relevant members and departments?

POTD

What do you mean by the offer? The £2m Land Asset to both clubs or the Loan Guarantee?



Both clubs have been offered the Land subject to 3 conditions.



Wakey cannot have the land transferred yet because they have not got PP



Cas presumably cannot have the land transferred because GH is not fully funded yet.



The loan guarantee was offered to the Trust only after Sir Rod asked the council for a loan and was turned down.



AFAIK Cas and Fev were not offered such facilities and the Council were concerened "should either of the other two cubs approach the Council"



My "concern/gripe" call it what you want is the fact that the council have already had to pay out £150,000 to the Co Op so soon,(It would be interesting to know the reasons for the loan being called in) and may well have to write off that money.



I still find it amazing given the money that YorkCourt/Langtree have thrown at this proposal they still needed the W&DCT to go begging around to contribute £150,000 for "Design Fees"

Are you telling me or asking me, because I don't have any proof of anything just what I was told on this one?



I do note that the you say that this loan guarantee pre-dates the land transfer ratification but this would seem to suggest otherwise?



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Are you saying you know Cas where not given the same opportunity? I can't currently prove anything either way, so that is a genuine question.



I think the one thing Wakefield Council would be very, very wary of, is not treating the clubs equally, despite what both sides might think! I think you have any concerns then you need to be writing and asking your councillor to get behind the detail. I can't prove squat on this one either way.

Or because they don't have an appropriate community trust set up yet that would enable the council to legally offer the loan?

You are confusing the offer of Land Assets to both clubs with the Loan of £150,000.



The council did not offer the loan to W&DCT, they turned Sir Rod's request down, but they did agree to guarantee the loan, which was given by the CO-OP Bank to W&DCT.



AFAIK Cas and Fev have not asked for any loans from the Council and the Council have not acted as Guarantor to any such loans.

EDIT: Forget it. There have obviously been new developments that have passed me by...