Wakefield Trinity Wildcats' plans for a new stadium at Newmarket, West Yorkshire, have been dealt a blow after the government called in the development.

The stadium scheme, which is designed to help the club secure a new Super League licence, was awarded outline planning consent by Wakefield Council in October. Wakefield and District Community Stadium Trust and developer Yorkcourt Properties are working in partnership with the club to deliver the 12,000-capacity stadium and community sporting facilities

Trust chair Sir Rodney Walker said: "I cannot understand how, on the day the government confirms that planning decisions will be referred back to local authorities, this application has been called in." Meanwhile, Wakefield Council has confirmed that it has extended its offer of land assets to the value of £2m for both the Wildcats and Castleford Tigers' stadium proposals.

Council deputy leader Denise Jeffery said: "Extending the offer of support means we will be able to continue to offer support to the clubs." Image: The Wildcats' current Belle Vue home