Leeds have received planning permission to redevelop Elland Road and lift the stadium’s capacity from 37,645 to about 53,000.
There had been fears that a delay to the long-mooted introduction of a tram network in the surrounding area until the late 2030s might impact the club’s plans to expand the ground but the proposals were approved by the city council on Thursday.
The issue of traffic congestion around Elland Road on matchdays slowed the approval process before councillors and city planners were satisfied by the club’s blueprint to help ease the problems. These include an agreement to help fund road improvements, allied to a plan to encourage supporters driving to matches to park further from the ground.
The approval ends a wait that began when detailed final plans were submitted in July and will delight the 26,000 fans on the club’s waiting list for season tickets. It will also afford Elland Road Uefa category four status, enabling Leeds to bid to host tournament matches.
The rebuild will begin with the expansion of the John Charles – or West – Stand, from 8,000 seats to 17,750 thanks to the construction of a new upper tier. Preliminary work is due to start shortly and major construction will get under way at the end of this season.
Paraag Marathe, the Leeds chair, has confirmed the stadium will remain operational throughout a project that will involve the expansion of the Don Revie – or North – Stand from its 10,414 capacity to a maximum of 15,300. “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for the expansion of Elland Road stadium,” said Marathe. “This is a historic day for Leeds United. As custodians of this great club we are committed to its long-term success and today’s decision supports our ambition to establish Leeds in the Premier League and continue progressing over the years to come.”
