Bradford Bulls boss Chris Caisley today revealed he expects to submit the club's alternative planning application for upgrading Odsal Stadium next week.

He says he has been forced to act because Horsforth-based Sterling Capitol is unwilling to put pen to paper on a £25 million development deal to provide a new home for the club.

That scheme is now seemingly on hold after Sterling Capitol's chairman, Sunderland Football Club boss Bob Murray, failed to sign the development agreement last Friday with the Bulls and Bradford Council.

Council Chief Executive Ian Stewart flew off on holiday early that day believing a night of negotiations with Sterling Capitol had been successful.

Now the Council's economic scrutiny committee will find itself in the thick of controversy for the first time on Tuesday when it examines the issues.

It will be given a full picture by officers and its findings will go to the authority's powerful executive committee.

Member Quasim Khan (Con, Toller) said: "It is disappointing that there are so many delays.

"I hope we can take a very good look at it and we can try to make some progress."

Today, managing director of Sterling Capitol, Martin Croxon, said there was no change in the situation. But Mr Caisley announced last week that the club was dumping the Sterling Capitol scheme because one deadline after another had been passed without the agreement being signed.

The club is now in talks with architects about extending a £9 million scheme it put forward five years ago which will include covered stands, shopping, bars and restaurants.

Mr Caisley said: "We hope to put in a planning application within the next few days. We would hope it could be developed by the end of 2002. This is all very disappointing."

He said Sterling Capitol now wanted a further amendment to the contract after delaying for weeks because of alterations. It is unclear what amendment is being sought.

Philip Robinson, the council's assistant chief executive who is dealing with the scheme, was in meetings yesterday and unavailable for comment.

l The scrutiny committee will also examine the proposed major development of Manningham south mill, by Urban Splash. The company proposes a call centre which could take 1,000 people, leisure facilities and offices.