Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium expansion plan has been approved

Plans to redevelop Leeds United’s Elland Road headquarters have been approved, and capacity is set to increase by more than 15,000.

The expansion will see the stadium become the seventh largest stadium in English football, jumping from 37,645 seats to around 53,000.

Leeds City Council’s planning committee approved the club’s application on Thursday, with work to expand the West Stand and North Stand alongside modifications to the South Stand.

Chairman Parag Marathi said: “As trustees of this great club, we are committed to its long-term success.

“Today’s decision supports our ambition to cement Leeds in the Premier League and continue to progress over the coming years.”

This will be the largest modification to the ground since the £5.5 million East Stand was built in 1993.

The club said the renovation would help meet fan demand, with 26,000 people currently on the waiting list for a season ticket.

The development promises “significant improvements” to fan comfort, sightlines and matchday services inside and outside the stadium.

The club said the deal would allow Leeds to bid to host matches in major international tournaments and generate around £29m a year for the region’s economy.

Councilor Jonathan Prior, deputy leader of Leeds City Council, said he was “very pleased” with the decision, adding that it would “open the door” for further redevelopment in the surrounding area.

“It’s not just football fans, no matter how many there are, but the amount of job opportunities this will create is amazing,” he said.

“I think the stadium itself is almost an anchor for why people will come there and why people will love this area.”

After the initial application was submitted in July, issues were raised about transport and logistics and the impact on the nearby Hythe area.

He said the club worked with the council to correct these errors, with 98% of participants in the public consultation voting in favor of the proposals.

Chief business officer Maury Eisenberg said the support showed “how important this club and stadium are to the city.”

He added: “Without our fans, this moment would not have been possible.”

Members of the council’s planning committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of the proposals, with 11 votes in favor of the plan and one against.

The club said that the stadium will remain open and operational throughout the expansion period.