Development plans at Guiseley football club have won backing from the area's MP.

Stuart Andrew, the MP for Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough, has offered his support to the planning application, which is about to be re-submitted by Guiseley AFC.

The Conference North club has progressed over recent years to the point where it now sits just a league below the top tier of non-league football.

The plans, which included three new stands, extra turnstiles, and toilets came under fire from some quarters when they were initially raised – amidst claims that the club hadn’t forewarned local residents.

But Guiseley AFC has defended its proposals, insisting the changes are vital for its ambitions to bring its Nethermoor Park grounds up to 21st century standards. Earlier this year the club called on its fans to be vocal in their support for the development and have received backing on Twitter and other social media sites.

The club is planning to re-submit the plans shortly - and says it has taken into account the views of local residents to the proposals. This week Mr Andrew gave his support to the ambitious scheme to develop Nethermoor and expand the club's role in the community.

"We can and should be very proud of Guiseley AFC, especially for the role they play in the community," he said.

"The plans proposed would support all elements of local activity, from sport to charity, and the club will continue to thrive under these conditions.

"We have all been mindful of some of the potential effects on local people, and I have been working with both the club and residents who have voiced their concerns.

"I am happy to help where ever I can, and with that in mind, I have already contacted Leeds City Council to ask them to look into providing clearer signs to overflow car parks just a short walk away from the ground, so that surrounding streets are not excessively used by fans on match day or those who use the proposed community hub."

Guiseley AFC is proud of its work with the community. Last year, Action for Children were given pride of place on the club’s away shirts with discussions taking place in helping underprivileged youngsters to work on the developments at Nethermoor.

The club has taken on four apprentices through their fledgling youth academy while Yeadon-based charity AVSED are regular partners in charitable ventures.

In recent years, the club has raised thousands of pounds for charitable causes, both local and further afield.

The club says its multi-purpose community building, part of the second phase of its redevelopment ambitions, will boost the work of the recently formed Guiseley AFC Community Foundation and help its Football Academy.