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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There not bothered about residents because the revenue brought in from car park fees and food stalls is too much for them to give up. More Corporate greed
More corporate greed lol its growing due to supply and demand ifs not like ER hasn’t been there years and people still move close to the ground then moan. What about the jobs it creates and tourist revenue to the city? The money the club have set aside to invest in Holbeck etc lets all forget about that shall we and just label it corporate greed ha ha hilarious
I’ve been going to Elland Road since 1955 when I was 7! It’s not as if the stadium is just being plonked in a residential area! Like living near an airport you know what you’re getting when you buy a house near the ground! And it’s not corporate greed when those making matchday money are indie traders and the local shops/food outlets!
But the travel infrastructure is awful now, and really needs to be sorted to make it work for everyone!