Ilkley Rugby Club has been granted planning permission for its futuristic looking new grandstand and clubhouse.

Officials at the 500 member club say that the drive to raise funds to pay for the £1.9 million conversion will now begin in earnest.

The building, designed by Snell Architects, of London, is almost cylindrical and incorporates a futuristic shaped structure, with clubroom and social facilities, as well as panoramic viewing area, with 100 seats on the top floor, and changing rooms, showers, toilets, physiotherapy room, mini gym and all the required ancillary facilities on the ground floor.

The architect, Robin Snell, is a member of the club. He said that the design presented a superb opportunity to enhance the appearance of a very special part of the Wharfe Valley, as well as providing superb facilities for rugby and for the community through the coming years.

A spokesman for the club, John Hope, said: "The original buildings were built in the nineteen twenties but have now reached their "sell-by" date and, in fact, are something of an eyesore.

"Clearly the town and local area will benefit greatly from the new facility. Its changing rooms could be used by other sporting clubs and organisations when not being used by the rugby club.

"The function room will be designed for dinners, meetings and parties and could accommodate dance groups, pilates and yoga and other similar activities.

"Another major feature will be incorporation of classroom facilities so that the work already done in the community by the club's development officer can be enhanced to give children an opportunity to combine sport with learning on the same site."

The main obstacle to planning permission being granted was the building's location on a flood plain.

But careful design has ensured that the building is raised up and should not suffer if the field becomes inundated from the River Wharfe. And as the flood water would flow underneath the building, there would be no loss of flood plain storage.

Once the Environment Agency examined the plans and gave the green light, the way was open for planning bosses to give their permission.

Officials have no date as yet for when the demolition of the old stand and building work on the new will begin because the project is dependent of the level of funding.

Mr Hope said: "So ahead lies a big task - the raising of the funds required. Club members will have to raise a substantial part but with pledges already in place and with the RFU, who regard Ilkley as a beacon' club, solidly behind the project, the club is confident of reaching this formidable target."

For details of how individuals or companies can help, contact the club via webmaster@ilkleyrugby.co.uk.