Plans to turn Elland Road stadium into one of Europe’s elite footballing venues have been submitted to the council.
Early-stage proposals for the expansion of Leeds Utd’s ground will be presented to councillors at a meeting next week.
Members of Leeds City Council’s city plans panel will be asked to give their views on plans to expand seating capacity to up to 56,500.
The expansion would be made possible with the sale of council-owned land to the newly-promoted club – a deal already agreed by council leaders.
A report to Thursday’s (May 8) meeting said Elland Road would be brought into line with UEFA Category 4 status.
It said: “The proposed stadium changes to be presented to city plans panel represent the largest and most significant degree of change at the stadium in its history.”
The pre-application report said full planning permission would be sought for partial demolition and extension of the West Stand.
Outline planning permission would give consent in principle for the redevelopment of the North Stand.
Seating capacity would be increased to between 53,000 and 56,500, making it the seventh largest club stadium in the country.
The project would boost capacity for hospitality places at matches, from 3,767 to 7,020.
A new away coach parking compound would be created, along with media facilities and improved spaces for players, club staff and match officials.
A public consultation will be held on plans for the stadium, expected to kickstart a wider regeneration of the surrounding area.
The report said: “This will consider the catalytic benefits of an enhanced stadium, as well as an updated vision, and potential proposals for connectivity, public transport, parking, public realm in line with Leeds’ current and growing economic trajectory.”
The report said a letter was received from Andrew Scopes, Labour councillor for Beeston and Holbeck, after ward members were consulted.
Coun Scopes said he was against the proposals unless there was a “plausible plan” to tackle parking problems.
He also called for revenue from the first 100 ticket sales at the expanded stadium to be ring-fenced for community projects.
Coun Scopes wrote: “I know the club has worked on using park and rides around the city and encouraged sustainable transport, but the evidence on the streets in my ward is that this isn’t working.
“That said, if the proposals do go ahead, I am firmly of the belief that the stadium expansion needs to leave a legacy for the surrounding community.”
The council agreed to the sale of land around the stadium to the club’s owners at an executive board meeting on April 23.
By: Don Mort, LDRS
