YORKSHIRE County Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos remain hopeful that the proposed £39million redevelopment of their Headingley Carnegie stadium can be finished in time for both the Cricket World Cup in 2019 and its rugby league counterpart two years later.

Problems with planning permission led to the Rhinos announcing last month that the start of work would be delayed, a decision which prompted Yorkshire chief executive Mark Arthur to voice fears that Headingley might "fall off the cliff face" of international cricket.

However, the two organisations have now announced, following consultations, that they have asked Leeds City Council to make a decision on their planning application for the stadium redevelopment at the earliest opportunity, which is likely to be the planning committee meeting on Thursday, January 12.

A positive outcome at that meeting would still allow delivery of the stadium works in time for the Cricket World Cup in 2019 and the Rugby League World Cup in 2021.

Following detailed dialogue with the council, the clubs have withdrawn the two linked residential planning applications which were contributing funds to the overall cost of the project and further consultation will take place with both the council and the local communities in this regard.

Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said: "To deliver the £39million Headingley Carnegie Stadium redevelopment, which everyone wants, we have to find a solution to the funding issue.

"Both Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire County Cricket Club are working hard, with the help of Leeds City Council, to explore all options."

Arthur added: "It is essential that a solution is found in order to deliver international cricket to Leeds beyond 2019 and we are working tirelessly with Leeds City Council and Leeds Rhinos to that end."

The allocation of major matches from 2020 until 2024 is due to be made next summer and Yorkshire officials were particularly concerned that any doubts about Headingley's readiness could lead to the ground being omitted from the list.

"Delay could mean Headingley will no longer be considered fit for Test-match cricket – or to host any World Cup matches in 2019," Arthur said last month.

"Not only does this impact the club's ability to stage internationals, it would also have profound consequences for both Yorkshire's and Leeds Rhinos' valuable and long-standing work within the wider community."