Elland Road owner wants to build nursery in shadow of Leeds United's South Stand

Property developer Jacob Adler’s MBH Investments firm has submitted plans for a two-storey building accessed from Elland Road on land between the Subway outlet and The Old Peacock pub.

The building would host three retail units and a children’s day nursery with a rooftop play area and parking.

Leeds City Council’s planning department has received detailed plans for the site which are available to view online.

The application, drawn up by SDA Architects, states that the building would fulfil the “requirement for additional retail units in this area, particularly on Leeds United match days”.

It reads: “The development will add to the viability of the area, and give more choice to people visiting or living in the area.”

Facing substantial loan repayments, Leeds United sold the stadium to Mr Adler for £8million in 2004 and negotiated a 25-year lease.

The agreement contained a clause that means the club can buy back the ground for a set fee at any stage before 2029 but both rent and the buy-back cost rise by three per cent every year.

Leeds currently pay more than £1.4m a year to use Elland Road.

Whites chairman Massimo Cellino stated his desire to take up the buy-back option following his 2014 takeover but a deal is yet to be done.

At the time Mr Cellino was quoted as saying “I’m going to buy back this stadium because I’m embarrassed to be a guest in my house”.

Mr Adler’s plans are likely to go before planners before September 7.