Leeds United submit plans to expand Elland Road

Leeds United have submitted a formal planning application to expand the capacity of Elland Road to 53,000.

The proposal to increase the stadium's capacity by more than 15,000 would make the ground England's seventh-biggest football stadium.

The club said it was hopeful of receiving a decision from Leeds City Council within 13 weeks, the expected timescale given by the local authority for large scale developments.

Leeds United chief business officer Morrie Eisenberg said the plans would "revitalise" the stadium "whilst preserving the unique history and heritage it holds".

Proposals for the ground include updating the West and North Stands, as well as improvements to the general admission and hospitality facilities.

The capacity of the West Stand would increase from 8,000 to 17,750, while the North Stand's capacity would jump from 10,414 to up to 15,300.

The club, which secured its return to the Premier League last season, said the regenerated stadium would meet the demand for tickets, with 26,000 fans currently on its season ticket waiting list.

According to the club's application, the redevelopment would allow Daniel Farke's side "to sustainably compete in the Premier League and in European competitions, as well as enabling the stadium to host national and international football ... alongside concerts and other non-football events".

Up to eight non-football events would be held at the stadium each year, the application said.

If approved, the work is planned to start in 2026.

The club said public consultations had shown people to be "overwhelmingly in favour" of the plans, with 98% of respondents in support, while senior councillors have also previously backed the project.

A spokesperson said comments raised throughout the consultation period earlier this year had "been reflected within the planning application".

According to Mr Eisenberg, the development would also "provide great economic benefits to the local community and will be a catalyst for a regeneration of the area".

Leeds City Council has also launched a public consultation on the potential future use of about 30 acres of land around the ground in Beeston.

Potential future use for the land includes building up to 2,000 new homes, a community sports arena, hotel accommodation and workspaces.

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