'A valuable asset': Go-ahead given to martial arts project at greyhound stadium

More than 70 people urged Wakefield Council to allow the facility to operate at Kinsley Greyhound Stadium, near Pontefract.

Village residents said it would promote physical and mental health in the area as well as reducing anti-social behaviour.

Retrospective plans were submitted in November for Foundry MMA to operate in the former restaurant and bar at venue.

Stadium owner John Curran said the dog racing business and associated hospitality had suffered since the covid pandemic.

Mr Curran added that dog races were “no longer large public events”, with racing now being viewed online rather than members of the public attending.

The stadium, which opened in 1939, had 15 full time and 41 part time staff prior to the pandemic.

A planning statement said: “With ongoing increasing costs, including energy costs, wage bills and National Insurance, the business has had to fundamentally change.

“Once restrictions were lifted many of the previous staff, particularly with those trained in catering, had moved on to other employment opportunities.”

“As a resident of Kinsley, Mr Curran was subsequently approached to utilise the building as a sporting facility which would provide job opportunities and also a facility for the use of the local community.”

Foundry MMA teaches boxing, K1 and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to men, women and children, as well as training professional MMA contenders.

The facility is also used by a mental health community group five days a week.

The statement added: “The use of the redundant function room provides the greyhound stadium with an alternative income and ensures it can cover its ongoing costs.

“It assists in ensuring greyhound racing, a historic sport, continues in Kinsley for future generations.

“It is considered imperative that Wakefield Council fully support this development which is of clear benefit to the local community and brings back into beneficial use an otherwise vacant building.

“The importance of this facility must not be underestimated.”

Approving the scheme, a council offier’s report said the proposals were “acceptable having regards to design, residential amenity and highways safety.”

A total of 72 residents made comments in support of the application.

One said: “Having lived in the Kinsley and Fitzwilliam area for my entire life, it is not hyperbole to say that Foundry MMA is the most positive contribution to the community within my lifetime.

“It is no secret that our area has been long deprived.

“There are no gyms or communal buildings that promote exercise, fitness and positive mental wellbeing.

“Foundry has filled that space in the community that has sorely needed to be filled for so long.

“As a veteran of the armed forces, I can personally attest to the positive mental impact this place has had on my life.”

Another supporter commented: “This gym has become a valuable asset to our community, offering a safe, structured, and positive environment for people of all ages.

“Beyond physical fitness, Foundry MMA promotes discipline, confidence, and mental well-being – qualities that benefit our wider community.

“The coaches are dedicated, professional, and deeply committed to helping local residents grow both inside and outside the gym.

“Many young people in the area have found a constructive outlet here, reducing anti-social behaviour and giving them a sense of purpose and belonging.”