'Historic day' as Elland Road plans approved by Leeds City Council

Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe says the granting of planning permission for the Elland Road stadium expansion plan is an 'historic day' for the club.

- by Graham Smyth

Leeds City Council's city plans panel met on Thursday afternoon to discuss proposals for the expansion of the West and North stands, which would take the ground's capacity up to 53,000.

The plans will transform Elland Road into a UEFA Category 4 stadium and bring it into line with some of Europe's top modern sporting venues. The plans were approved by 11 votes to one.

A club statement said: “Leeds United Football Club can today confirm that planning permission has been granted for the long-awaited expansion of Elland Road Stadium, an historic milestone for the club, its supporters and the city of Leeds. Following a decision by Leeds City Council's plans panel at the Civic Hall earlier today, approval has been secured to increase the stadium's capacity to up to 53,000, through the expansion of the West and North stands and targeted alterations to the South Stand.

“The approved plans will transform Elland Road into a UEFA Category 4 stadium, placing it among the elite venues in European football.