Councillors have given the thumbs up to proposals to transform the Shay Stadium.

Work can now start on creating a first class sporting facility and community hub after designs were approved by members of Calderdale Council's Planning Committee.

Calderdale Council is working in partnership with the Shay Stadium Trust to complete the unfinished East Stand. A contractor is due to be chosen next month and work will now begin on site in June. The stand should be completed by the end of this year.

Councillors have approved a scheme to build a four storey stand. The ground floor will be home to team and officials' changing facilities and also include a supporter's bar and café, gymnasium,community space for various groups and organisations and concourses for fans at both ends with associated refreshment facilities. The first floor includes a banqueting and conferencing suite serving up to 300 covers with a terrace with views across the ground and further community space. The second floor will include offices and a further community shell space, with boxes and hospitality suites housed on the top floor. For spectators the stand will provide for a seated capacity of 3500.

The Shay Stadium Trust has launched a £1 million campaign to fit out the stand, providing a number of community facilities for the whole of Calderdale. It is hoped that this will guarantee the sustainable economic future of the stadium and will turn the Shay into a venue that is used seven days a week.

Councillor David Kirton, portfolio holder for Regeneration and Development, said:

"I am delighted that the plans have been approved. We are now a step closer to having a fully completed sports stadium in Calderdale that we can all be proud of.

"The benefits of this community stadium will be far reaching and will meet a number of Council priorities relating to healthier communities and children and young people. The stadium will become a useful resource in meeting a number of targets set out by the local area agreement."

"Calderdale Council is committed to completing the East Stand at The Shay Stadium as soon as possible."

The council will recoup the majority of funding put into the development by restructuring the existing lease with the Shay Stadium Trust once the stadium is completed.