A rugby club's plan to develop a sports field earmarked for public use has been approved by councilors despite dividing local opinion.
West Bowling Rugby Club's proposals to create new pitches and facilities at Horsfall Playing Fields were passed by Bradford Council's planning committee on Wednesday.
The plans were approved despite concerns the development could breach a 100-year-old legal agreement which designated the area for public use.
Councillors voted to approve the plans subject to Sport England withdrawing their earlier objection following an amendment.
The site currently has two rugby pitches, a football pitch and a cricket pitch.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the club said it wanted to expand its offering but the current facilities "are holding these plans back."
Its wants to redevelop the site to include two rugby league pitches, one football pitch, two junior football pitches and a cricket pitch with six wickets.
There would also be a small car parking area and hospitality building, six floodlight pylons would be erected next to one of the adult pitches and spectator fencing would be installed around a pitch.
But the proposals divided opinion - with 105 objections submitted along with 195 letters of support and two competing petitions.
The club amended their plans after Sport England initially rejected them, citing the potential loss of some playing pitches due to the expansion of others.
The arms-length government body has yet to respond to the latest proposals.
Stephen Cain, representing the objectors, said: "These fields were dedicated to the people of Bradford for public recreation nearly 100 years ago."
"If this is approved, it sets a dangerous precedent, not just for Horsfall, but for every green space in Bradford."
Cain also argued the club's plans to generate income through drink sales on the fields would go against a condition of the covenant that said any income raised from the land would have to be spent on its upkeep.
A planning officer told the meeting they had been assured the land would still be free for the public to use.
Angela Tait, Labour councillor for the Royds ward, also objected to the plans.
She said: "I support recreational development, but this application raises significant concerns, and it will have an impact on local people."
"Bradford Park Avenue's stadium is next door - the current infrastructure can't cope with any new use."
Six members voted to approve the plans, subject to Sport England withdrawing its earlier objection, with two against.
It means the decision will not be finalised until the national body responds to the application.