Leeds United key figures issue response to Elland Road planning permission decision — YEP 8/1/26
By Graham Smyth
Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe says the granting of
planning permission for the Elland Road stadium expansion plan is an 'historic'
day for the club.
Leeds City Council's city plans panel met on Thursday
afternoon to discuss proposals for the expansion of the West and North Stands,
which would take the ground's capacity up to 53,000. The plans will transform
Elland Road into a UEFA Category 4 stadium and bring it into line with some of
Europe's top modern sporting venues. The plans were approved by 11 votes to
one.
A club statement said: "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."
Club chairman Marathe said the decision of the plans panel
supports 49ers Enterprises' vision to make Leeds United an established Premier
League outfit.
"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.”
The club says that 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.
Chief business officer Morrie Eisenberg added that the
project has relied upon the co-operation and support of a number of bodies to
get it to the planning permission stage and public support has been key.
"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.
“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.”
