Elland Road changes get the go ahead as Leeds United invest in their most prized asset

New floodlights at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium have been given the green light by Leeds City Council.

The Whites submitted a planning application on March 29 for permission to install two 44-metre-high masts behind the West Stand at the ground.

Premier League regulations had been mentioned within the application as the grounds for wanting to install the new lights, but permission has been granted despite failing to win promotion.

It is understood the club will press ahead with the erection of the floodlights despite missing out on Premier League football this time.

A view of Elland Road's proposed West Stand floodlights from Heath Road (Watson Batty Architects)

The council’s chief planning officer Tim Hill published a report confirming the club had been granted permission, which would expire in three years’ time.

Mr Hill’s conclusions read: “The proposed lighting will improve the overall quality of the existing sports grounds and will promote the long term sustainability of the football club.

“The principle of the development accords with the overall aims of the local planning authority’s core strategy.

“Furthermore, the proposal will not impact upon the amenities of the surrounding area, or give rise to any concerns regarding any impact upon highways safety or land contamination issues.

“In light of the above and with consideration being given to all other matters, it is recommended that the proposal is recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

The columns would be installed at the south-west and north-west corners of the stadium and rise up and over the top of the West Stand to light the pitch.

A view of Elland Road's proposed West Stand floodlights from Heath Grove (Watson Batty Architects)

In a statement attached to the application’s design philosophy, Dudleys Structural & Civil Consultants said: “As part of Leeds United preparations for Premiership football, it is proposed to install two new feature LED lighting columns behind the West Stand of the Elland Road ground in order Leeds United will be able to satisfy the minimum requirements of hosting Premiership football.

“The lighting columns have been designed [by] specialist lighting suppliers Musco, one to be placed each on the south-west and north-west corners.”