An ambitious vision to steer the redevelopment of land around Elland Road is set to be considered by senior councillors, as Leeds City Council looks at updated planning guidance for one of the city’s most significant growth opportunities.
Members of the council’s executive board are due to be updated on the proposed final draft of the Elland Road planning statement, a document that sets out key principles for how around 30 acres around the stadium could be regenerated in the years ahead. The statement is intended to provide a clearer framework for any future proposals brought forward by landowners and developers, covering design expectations, infrastructure requirements and how the area could evolve over time.
Supporters argue the wider Elland Road corridor is a regeneration opportunity of national scale, with the potential to inject billions into the local economy. The vision also highlights the prospect of around 2,000 new homes, alongside a blend of leisure, education, public realm and commercial developments intended to make the area a year-round destination, not just on matchdays.
If approved, the final draft would mark the first major refresh of planning guidance for the area since 2007. It follows a comprehensive public consultation held last summer, during which local residents and key stakeholders were invited to share views on priorities, concerns and opportunities.
Councillors have been told that community feedback has played a significant role in shaping the final draft. Among the changes made are clearer detail on how matchday operations could work alongside any future development, and stronger emphasis on how transport impacts would be assessed and mitigated through the planning process.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development said:
“The land around Elland Road represents one of the most exciting development opportunities the city has seen for a generation, with the vast potential to completely transform and revitalise an area of Leeds steeped in local history and sporting heritage.
“This refreshed planning statement will act as both a guide and a catalyst for future proposals on the site, putting crucial elements in place that can enable the Elland Road area to be a year-round destination whilst also enhancing the existing neighbourhood and putting important new infrastructure in place.
“Combined with the club’s plans for the stadium, we believe this will see Elland Road become a standard bearer for sports and transport-led regeneration that the whole city can be proud of.”
The planning statement comes as separate proposals linked to Leeds United continue to progress, including a planning application connected to expanding the stadium’s capacity to around 53,000, which has recently moved forward after being deferred to the chief planning officer for approval.
A report accompanying the planning statement outlines the kinds of uses that could be acceptable on land around the stadium under the new guidance. Examples include a new community sports arena, hotel accommodation, workspace, and educational facilities connected to sport, health and wellbeing.
The refreshed statement also addresses parking and access, including the future relocation of the interim park-and-ride currently operating on the site. It notes that, subject to demand being evidenced, one or more multi-storey car parks could be supported, serving matchday parking and potentially other uses. Any changes to parking provision would be phased to ensure the local highway network can function on matchdays and to minimise adverse impacts on neighbouring communities.
Improving links between the stadium and the city is also a stated priority, with the aim of making it easier for people to choose active and sustainable travel options. Subject to approval, longer-term alternatives for park-and-ride provision in South Leeds will also be explored, recognising that the current facility is expected to make way for redevelopment in the future.
While the planning statement sets the strategic direction, the council has stressed that any specific schemes would still need to come forward through separate planning applications. Future proposals would also be expected to involve further public consultation as detailed plans are developed.
Elland Road 2026 Informal Planning Statement www.democracy.leeds.gov.uk
