Next steps for Elland Road
Councillors will discuss Leeds United’s plans for the expansion of the stadium to 53,000 capacity at the city planning meeting next week, following the completion of the chief planning officer’s highly positive report.
LUFC submitted a hybrid planning application in July, and the report will now be discussed by the council, which owns around 30 acres of land around the venue and is keen to use the opportunity to regenerate the area.
Club owner 49ers Enterprises has employed a project team which includes planning consultant Quod, architect KSS, structural engineers Buro Happold, and a management team at RISE.
Broadly, the application is seeking permission for the redevelopment of the West Stand (John Charles Stand) and outline planning permission for redevelopment of the North Stand (Don Revie Stand).
The proposed works aim to increase stadium capacity to 53,000, representing an increase of circa 15,500 seats and making Elland Road the seventh largest club stadium in the UK as well as compliant with UEFA Category 4 standards.
The application also covers extensive hard and soft landscaping works, upgraded parking and access arrangements, and associated infrastructure improvements.
In addition, the club has applied for full planning permission to create dedicated coach parking facilities, complete with boundary treatments and landscaping enhancements.
The redevelopment scheme also proposes the demolition of several existing buildings and structures around the stadium, alongside temporary works including landscaping and parking adjustments.
The proposed development would be delivered in two phases to help LUFC manage planning and construction alongside football operations, and has been subject to extensive pre-application engagement – however, the transport impact and management measures have still not been resolved.
Overall, the report is positive, concluding that the redevelopment promises significant benefits, including increased seating capacity, sustainable and inclusive design, improved facilities, enhanced public safety, biodiversity improvements, and job creation.
The chief planning officer also states that it will provide new community sports facilities and create a ‘lasting legacy’.
While acknowledging some negative impacts like noise and effects on local residents, the report states these are limited to match days and are balanced against the overall benefits.
The main outstanding issue is transport management, with efforts ongoing to encourage sustainable travel.
Looking ahead, an outline planning application has been submitted for the partial demolition and redevelopment of the North Stand.
This phase aims to further upgrade stadium seating and hospitality offerings, complemented by additional F&B services and landscaping improvements.
Marchin On Together!
By Anonymous
The social-economic benefit to Leeds will be tens of millions of pounds annually including more tax revenues for Leeds. Include that in the “business case “.
By Anonymous
make elland road and surrounding areas of stadium one of the best stadium in the country make fans and the people of leeds proud massive stands big investment around stadium
By kevin marshall