Leicester Lions are aiming to return to track action next March.

After City councillors granted permission for a new £4.5million sports complex at Beaumont Leys, club officials and fans were jubilant.

Since Blackbird Road was shut in 1983, they have lived in hope that the sport would return to the city.

Steve Chilton, secretary of the supporters' club, said: "We're absolutely thrilled. It's the most positive news we've had for 26 years and we can't wait to see the Lions back in action.

"Of those 26 years, 23 and a half have been spent in frustration, but for the last two and a half we've had this site identified and the supporters club has taken on the role of a campaign group to publicise it and attract support. I'm optimistic everything will be in place by March.

"Some extremely determined people have been involved since day one and they will make things happen."

A speedway track, housing around 1,500 fans, is part of the Beaumont Sports Complex which will also include 12 five-a-side football pitches, a BMX track and a cycling velodrome.

Work on the speedway area is expected to begin in September, ready for a start next March. The rest will be finished by the end of 2010.

The Lions are targeting a berth in the British Premier League and, although no promoter has been appointed, moves are gathering pace in that direction.

David Hemsley is a director of the consortium made up of three key parts – the speedway promotion, British cycling and a private football operator.

"I couldn't be happier, and I was so pleased the planning committee could see the vision of what we've prepared over the last two years or so," said Hemsley, who supported the Lions as a youngster before making his name as a cycle-speedway rider.

"Speedway has never died in Leicester and there has always been the will to make it come back.

"I'd like to thank all the people who have contributed to getting us where we are.

"We'd had some stressful days and late nights but, hopefully, they will all see the rewards of their hard work."

Hemsley emphasised the importance of the whole project, not just the speedway, to the community. He said: "We want to make sure all these various consortium members offer community benefits to the people of Beaumont Leys and the wider Leicester area.

"It's a community sports village, which is so important, and that's the message we've been trying to get across."

Hemsley allayed fears that speedway would create unwelcome noise to local residents.

"We've done an awful lot of work in this area," he said. "I think some people's perception of noise is partly based on their experience of 25 years ago.

"Motorcycles are noisy but they are quieter than they were 25 years ago. We've employed consultants to design a stadium that offers us a good acoustic performance. We are optimistic that people will be pleased."