Major Elland Road development plans approved City Council in 'historic day' for Leeds United Football Club

Leeds City Council voted through the plans for the partial demolition and redevelopment of the West Stand as well as outline planning permission to increase the capacity of the North Stand.

The work will increase the total capacity of the ground from just below 38,000 to 53,000, meaning the Whites will play their home fixtures at the seventh-largest football stadium in England.

The City Plans Portal met this afternoon (Thursday) to discuss the plans and have voted them through by 11 votes to one

Concerns about travel, parking and disruption for nearby residents were raised to officers but council members were strongly in favour of the application.

The plans includes increased capacity, enhanced facilities and improved transport and access.

Before the plans were discussed the committee paid tribute to the former Leeds United player Terry Yorath, who died on Wednesday night.

Chair of the meeting Cllr Julie Heselwood said: “I would like to pass our condolences to friends and family of Terry and the club.”

Officers from the council’s planning and highways departments addressed the issues surrounding parking, travel and disruption for nearby residents.

A highways officer said that the club is set to hire a dedicated member of staff who will work to control traffic management on matchdays and that plans are in place to encourage fans to use more sustainable modes of transport. There will also be 120 new cycle parking spaces allocated and there are proposals for additional e-bike docks.

The club has previously said that it agreed “one of the most significant” Section 106 agreements, which it says will fund highways improvements around Elland Road and the city of Leeds.

It’s also hoped that the development will improve the chances of the city hosting games for the 2035 Women’s World Cup, which is expected to be held across the UK.

Concerns were raised by numerous members about travel matters and how they will be implemented, with Councillor David Blackburn saying: “We’ve had bad experiences in the past when conditions didn’t work out as they were supposed to.”

As comments turned to the members of the committee though, they spoke strongly in approval of the plans.

Councillor Blackburn welcomed the addition of more jobs for the local area, saying: “If you go the Emirates Stadium or New Wembley you will see bits of metal from Leeds so I expect if the plans go through them they will hire some people from here.”

He said he had “no problem” with the development of the stadium but had concerns in respect to the people living opposite, saying: “I should hope Leeds United talk to the people opposite and try and do something about it because certainly during construction it might be hell living there.”

Councillor Robert Finnegan, who had earlier half-jokingly declared a conflict of interest as a Huddersfield Town season ticket holder, said: “Despite my personal football loyalties I’m happy to support this application.

“I’m reassured there’s sufficient funding to deal with issues of parking on residential roads on matchdays.”

Councillor Barry Anderson said that he was “totally happy and in favour” of the proposals but had his suspicions on whether the council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority will “do their bit”. He said: “They are fundamental to the success of this project and how can we ensure that they do their part and bring their A game?”

A number of members praised the members of staff at Leeds City Council officers for their collective work on the application, with Councillor Kayleigh Brooks saying: “I’m blown away by the hard work officers have put in to the application. You have gone above and beyond. A lot of concerns have been addressed.

“I think my dad is watching and he’s a big Leeds United supporter and he will be pleased that as a council we have pulled together.”

Speaking after the decision , club chairman Paraag Marathe said: "We are delighted to have secured planning permission for the expansion of Elland Road Stadium. This is a historic day for Leeds United Football Club.

“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. I would like to thank everyone involved in the project to date, for helping us reach this point.”