Elland Road: Leeds United clear planning permission hurdle as they work towards 53,000-capacity redevelopment
Leeds United’s plans to redevelop Elland Road and increase capacity to 53,000 have been given the go ahead by city council planners.
A Leeds City Council’s Plans Panel approved the proposals at The Civic Hall on Thursday and work will begin immediately, with “with major construction activity scheduled to begin following the end of the current season”.
Leeds said: “The approved plans will transform Elland Road into a UEFA Category Four 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.”
Leeds, who have a 26,000-strong season-ticket waiting list, forecast the redeveloped stadium will generate an extra £29million per year for the region’s economy and club chairman Paraag Marathe declared it “a historic day for Leeds United Football Club”.
He added: “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.”