Elland Road expansion plans to go before councillors - project would make it one of the UK’s largest stadiums
Leeds United's plans for Elland Road will go before councillors (image credit: Leeds United)
Leeds United's plans for a major expansion of Elland Road, increasing capacity to more than 50,000, are set to take a step forward next week (30 October 2025) when they are discussed by councillors.
The club submitted an application to Leeds City Council in July, following a consultation with supporters and the local community.
The application includes a detailed plan for the West Stand, along with an outline application for the North Stand.
The expansion would take the stadium's capacity up to about 53,000, helping the club meet demand for tickets, and making it one of the largest grounds in the UK.
The hybrid application seeks full planning permission for the redevelopment of the John Charles Stand and outline approval for the Don Revie Stand.
The proposed development aims to expand facilities for players, officials and technical staff, as well as improving the overall match day experience for hospitality and general admission fans. It would bring the stadium in line with UEFA Category 4 status.
Work on the John Charles Stand will be completed first with designs developed in more detail. In addition to the spectator seating, the new stand would include changing rooms, staff facilities, media areas, retail, ticketing, museum, control room and hospitality.
The plans also include new away coach parking and an outside broadcast compound.
A position statement on the plans will be considered by the council's City Plans Panel on 30 October 2025.
Members will be asked to note the progress made so far, and for comments on the plans, with a particular focus on unresolved issues relating to transport impact, parking and travel planning.
A planning officer's report to be considered at the meeting said: "The proposal before Officers and Members represents a unique opportunity to improve in what may regarded as an iconic sporting venue that would be beneficial not only the club, but its supporters, the residents in the Beeston, Holbeck and Wortley areas, visitors to Leeds, local community groups, the residents of Leeds and other key stakeholders.
"It is fair to say that the current stadium falls below well the standard that would be expected of such a prestigious club and the proposals seek to bring about much needed change in a positive way. Officers and consultees have been working collaboratively with the club to unlock the site's potential and to integrate this with what will be a challenging opportunity to redevelop and regenerate the land around the stadium in a sustainable way.
"The proposals will result in significant positive enhancements, including increased spectator capacity; an environmentally friendly and sustainably designed stadium of high architectural interest and design; fully inclusive facilities with better facilities for disabled users and those with protected characteristics, improved media and spectator facilities; improvements to public safety; a positive increase in biodiversity and hard and soft landscaping; the provision of up to 190 additional operation jobs and 400 construction jobs; the provision of sporting facilities for local people/community groups in the form of the MUGA; and a long lasting legacy for all."
Leeds United's planned £200m investment in the expansion of Elland Road was among the £10bn of investment commitments detailed by the government at the first Regional Investment Summit.