Leeds United’s planning application to expand their Elland Road stadium will go to the City Plans Panel on Thursday 8 January for a decision by councillors.

The report by officers recommends that the plans are approved subject to a s106 Agreement that will see the club paying for highways upgrades, sustainable travel measures, employment and skills plan and other measures totally over £1.75m.

As we have reported previously, the plans consist of expanding the West and North stands to increase the ground’s capacity from 37,645 to 53,000. This is a hybrid planning application seeking full permission to develop the West stand and outline permission for the North stand (the Kop end).

The plans have raised concerns amongst local residents that the considerable disruption they face on match days will get much worse, but the club has been working with local councillors to mitigate these problems and have issued an open letter to residents.

The letter details the measures the club has taken to improve parking and congestion problems including:

  • Improved messaging to fans
  • Utilising 1,200 parking spaces at White Rose Park
  • Community liaison meetings with residents and councillors
  • Wayfinding for walking routes from the city centre and White Rose
  • Creating a no stopping ‘Red Route’ and enhanced enforcement at yellow box junctions

The club have also committed to provide a local community legacy with investments promised to provide activities for the local community; and Holbeck Together’s redevelopment of St Matthew’s Community Centre. They will also promote local employment initiatives for both construction and operational jobs.

Cllr Andrew Scopes (Labour, Beeston & Holbeck) and Morrie Eisenberg, Chief Business Officer at Leeds United commented:

“We are delighted to have come to this agreement to support Leeds United’s proposals and ensure that the Elland Road Stadium redevelopment will benefit the people of South Leeds.”

You can read the full letter here: LUFC residents letter

 

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