Leeds United secure planning permission for transformational Elland Road expansion | OneFootball

Key highlights:

Leeds United Football Club can today confirm that planning permission has been granted for the long-awaited expansion of Elland Road Stadium, a historic milestone for the club, its supporters and the city of Leeds.

Following a decision by Leeds City Council’s Plans Panel at The Civic Hall earlier today, approval has been secured to increase the stadium’s capacity to up to 53,000, through the expansion of the West and North Stands and targeted alterations to the South Stand.

The approved plans will transform Elland Road into a UEFA Category 4 stadium, placing it among the elite venues in European football. This positive planning decision also enables Leeds United, alongside civic partners, to bid to host major international tournaments and showcase events in the future, generating significant cultural and economic value for the Leeds City Region.

The expansion has been carefully designed to enhance the matchday experience while protecting what makes Elland Road special. Supporters can look forward to:

For players, the enhanced stadium environment will provide a stage befitting elite-level football, strengthening the club’s ability to compete at the highest level and attract top talent.

Leeds United 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.”

Leeds United Chief Business Officer Morrie Eisenberg said: “From setting out our initial ambitions for Elland Road in late September 2024 to receiving planning approval today, the progress we have made is something we are immensely proud of. This has been a truly collective effort, with Leeds City Council, our local communities in Holbeck and Beeston, National Highways, our expert advisers and, most importantly, our supporters all pulling together to reach this milestone.

“The overwhelming level of support, with 98% of respondents backing the proposals, demonstrates how deeply this club and stadium matter to the city. Without our fans, this moment would not be possible. The expansion will allow us to welcome thousands more supporters through the gates, reduce the 26,000-strong Season Ticket Waiting List, and create a better matchday experience for everyone.

“The stadium expansion project is also the first step towards the wider regeneration of the Elland Road neighbourhood. Alongside our partners, we are committed to ensuring this development delivers lasting social and economic benefits, from job creation to increased investment, while continuing to grow our community impact through the Leeds United Foundation and organisations such as Holbeck Together.”

Next steps:

Enabling works will commence immediately, with major construction activity scheduled to begin following the end of the current season. Elland Road will remain open throughout the expansion, ensuring the club continues to play its home matches at its historic home.

Further updates will be shared with supporters and stakeholders as the project progresses.