Leeds receive permission to redevelop and lift capacity of Elland Road

Elland Road will be expanded to a 53,000 capacity and afford Uefa category four status, enabling Leeds to bid to host tournaments matches. Photograph: Leeds United

Leeds have received planning permission to redevelop Elland Road and lift the stadium’s capacity from 37,645 to about 53,000.

There had been fears that a delay to the long-mooted introduction of a tram network in the surrounding area until the late 2030s might impact the club’s plans to expand the ground but the proposals were approved by the city council on Thursday.