Stalled plans for a sports village in Odsal could still be revived by the private sector despite the transfer of the stadium lease to the Rugby Football League.

A deal has been agreed between Bradford Bulls and the RFL, with the financial injection allowing the club to remain at its home ground as a tenant. Bradford Council still remains the owner of the land as freeholder, and gave its permission for the transfer. It received no money in the deal.

Council leader Ian Greenwood told the Telegraph & Argus that the authority had not benefited financially from the deal and it was simply a matter of its permission being needed for the handover. He added: “It’s great news for Bradford Bulls, their supporters and for Bradford itself because the Bulls are an integral part of the infrastructure of Bradford. It means rugby league will be played at Odsal for the foreseeable future. We hope this will allow the club to put its financial worries behind it and look to rebuilding itself as the best rugby league team in Britain.”

A 150-year lease was agreed with the club back in 2002, and the league has taken on the remainder of that term. There continues to be a requirement within the lease that places an obligation on the Bulls to play their homes games at Odsal up until 2019.

Previously the Council had an agreement with the club over its use of the stadium, which left the authority with obligations to repair and maintain the stadium.

In 2002 a decision was taken to grant the Bulls a lease of the stadium which did not require the club to pay the Council rent, but did place all responsibility for stadium maintenance, ground improvements and safety with the Bulls.

Just under a year ago the Telegraph & Argus revealed how the Council had withdrawn its £15 million commitment for a sports village. Money for the scheme was removed from a list of building projects as part of the 2011/12 budget process and has been earmarked for other major schemes, including the construction of two special schools instead.

Councillor David Green, the Council’s executive member for regeneration and the economy, said: “Last year we decided to divert the proposed £15 million investment originally allocated for the Odsal Sporting Village. However, the idea of a sporting village does not have to be led by the Council. The private sector may want to step in and drive it forward.”