Leeds United fans, Elland Road staff and neighbours share thoughts ahead of major stadium expansion decision

Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel t will vote on the extension plans for the famous football stadium, which could see its capacity increased from 37,600 to 53,000.

A first phase of the scheme would see the partial demolition and redevelopment of the West Stand.

The North Stand would be redeveloped under longer term plans for the ground.

Following setbacks and requests for the club to address concerns over parking and traffic, the council has now recommended the major overhaul of the famous stadium for approval.

Leeds United said that this came about after “one of the most significant Section 106 agreements” was agreed with the council, which will see funds go towards highway improvements around the ground.

The anticipation for the green light to be given was felt by those in and around the ground this week, as fans, residents, staff and those who keep people safe on matchdays shared their thoughts.

Among them was Althea Grant, who works at the stadium as a cleaning supervisor, who said that she was “very much” in favour of the plans, highlighting the increase of jobs that the development will bring to the area.

She also reference the huge waiting list for tickets at Elland Road, which has long been a gripe for supporters struggling to get to see the Whites.

The club itself has said that the increase of capacity will address the problem; saying that there is currently 26,000 people on the waiting list for season tickets.

A Marcelo Bielsa mural dons the outside of Elland Road Cafe & Sandwich Bar, where we contractors and Leeds United fans Nigel Charlton and DP Mathiaru had stopped by for lunch while working at a nearby site.

Nigel, who said that he attends the odd game here and there, said that all supporters were in favour and “optimistic” about what the development could do for the club’s fortunes.

Nigel said: “Leeds United are a big club with loads of fans so you might as well fill it up, hadn’t you?”

Looking across the road at the rusty metal holding the West Stand together, DP said: “It’s time something was done with it. It’s looking a bit 1970s.”

The Whites are enjoying a promising run of form after a rocky start to the season, helped in no end by striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goals, and are currently eight points off the relegation places.

Nigel said: “If we can consolidate ourselves in the Premier League and get work going on the stadium then we will be where we need to be.”

The concerns about traffic, congestion on matchdays were dismissed by those it was mentioned to, with Nigel saying: “It’s always mad down here on matchdays and then it’s done.”

A police officer who was getting her lunchbreak from Elland Road Police Station said that she had often worked matchdays, saying: “We close the road anyway. And the amount of planning and preparation that goes in to policing a football game is ridiculous so any issues will be taken into account. So I don’t think it will be an issue.

“There will be a lot of people but once they’re in the ground, they’re in the ground.”

She added: “It’s good for the city. Let’s just hope it goes through and we stay up.”

A resident who lived opposite the ground said that he had had previous run-ins with the council and builders while they have been developing the park and ride, police station and ice skating rink, but said he had no qualms with the club.

Michael Kirk, who has lived at the site for 15 years, said: “The club can do what they want as far as I’m concerned.

“My front drive gets covered in dust that’s blown over from when it’s being used for heavy machinery and trucks that stay with their engines running.

The meeting of the City Plans Portal will be held at the Civic Hall at 1.30pm and can be followed online.