Elland Road expansion: Leeds United react, when redevelopment could start, plans explained — YEP 10/1/26

By Mark Carruthers

Leeds United have now received planning permission to undertake a major redevelopment of Elland Road.

Leeds United received a major boost on Thursday when Leeds City Council revealed they had granted planning permission for a significant redevelopment of Elland Road that will see the capacity at the Whites’ famous home increase to over 53,000.

The proposals that were submitted earlier this year included the partial demolition and extension of the West Stand and outline planning permission for alterations to the North Stand. The proposal states that the West Stand is more advanced in its planning than the North and that when finished it will be similar in scale to the current East Stand, with a new capacity of 17,750. The North Stand will increase its capacity from 10,414 to 15,300.

Described at the time of submission as a one in a lifetime opportunity to create a significant regeneration of Elland Road and the surrounding areas, the plans were officially given the seal of approval by the local authorities on Thursday after officials voting overwhelmingly in favour of the proposals. Making Elland Road the seventh biggest stadium in English football will also bring a significant financial boost for the club and the local community and work on the development is expected to get underway during the summer.

When could fans expect the Elland Road expansion to be completed?

With the green light now given, the club hopes that the West Stand construction period can begin in May 2026 and complete within the final months of 2028. The North Stand opening is planned for the back end of 2030. However, the cancellation of a planning meeting earlier this month means the Whites will now face a wait until the new year to be given the green light. That came after a City Plans Panel also postponed a meeting that was scheduled last month as they require more time to assess the transport plans that would be put in place after the rebuild.

A statement released on the club website read: "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."

Long-term success

Chairman Paraag Marathe was one of the first Whites officials to comment over the news as he revealed his delight over the granting of planning permission and described the move as ‘historic’.

He 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.”

Level of support

If approved, the plans will see the west and north stands developed and the overall attendance for Elland Road increased by around 15,000

If approved, the plans will see the west and north stands developed and the overall attendance for Elland Road increased by around 15,000 | Leeds United

Club business officer Morrie Eisenberg added: "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," he said. "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.1

“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.”

Traditional charm

Whites manager Daniel Farke was asked about the news in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie at Derby County and he revealed his request that the new plans should only enhance the ‘special and unique’ atmosphere at Elland Road.

When asked if he had been involved in the plans, he said: “Not too much. So I'm not one of the people who should get lots of praise for this project. There are other people who should be praised. Of course, I sometimes give my inside view about details. How, for example, a home dressing room should look like, or what is also important [regarding] the atmosphere.

“I think the main topic is to, of course, to extend the stadium, so that even more people are allowed and able to follow us and to support us. That we can build even a stronger connection - if this is somewhat possible - with our supporters and with this community. But on the other hand, to also not lose our traditional charm, and our special, unique Elland Road atmosphere.

“And I think for that, they are way more capable persons in order to plan this, and they have to do the right planning. Of course, I give sometimes more or less like from a manager, from a coach’s, from a player's perspective, some recommendations. But there are far more capable people who have to put it into real life, and I don't deserve any praise for this.”