An extension to house a new fitness and rehabilitation suite at Ilkley Rugby Club has been given the go-ahead by Bradford Council.

Officers acting under delegated powers have granted planning permission for the extension to the pavilion at Stacks Field, Denton Road.

The club opened its £1.4 million clubhouse and grandstand (pictured) in 2011, built with the help of a massive fundraising effort by the club itself, plus funding from Sport England, Bradford Council, Ilkley Parish Council and a loan from the Rugby Football Union.

The extension to the building will provide space for a fitness and recovery area, consisting of two rooms and access lobby on the ground floor, plus a new physiotherapy room, allowing access for players in need of medical attention. As well as the rugby club itself, the new facilities will be available to other local sports clubs using the premises.

Bradford Council planning officers have added a number of conditions to the planning permission. A scheme for water drainage must be approved in writing by the planning authority.

In their approval notice, officers said: “The principle of development for this sports facility is supported within the green belt and has already been established under previous applications. The NPPF also supports proportionate extension to existing facilities and, as such, the principle of development is acceptable, subject to compliance with other RUDP Policies.”

They said the proposal would have only limited visual impact on the character and appearance of the Middleton Conservation Area. The land also lies within the flood plain of the River Wharfe in peak flood conditions. A flood risk assessment was submitted with the planning application.

Officers said the principle of suitable building occupying this site was established for the building of the newly constructed pavilion and grandstand building, and the extension proposal applies the same principles.

The proposed extension is largely sitting on the flat terrace area that exists on site, which is designed to be above the level of the peak flood condition. A void below the terrace allows flood water to pass in and out.