Leeds

Leeds United’s Elland Road expansion could be delayed because of one key problem

What do you make of the concerns raised?

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 5th November 2025

The ambitious expansion plans for Elland Road, the home stadium of the city's beloved Leeds United Football Club, could potentially be delayed as a result of one main issue.

It also happens to be one that has been flagged by supporters before.

In case you haven't seen the latest developments regarding Leeds' stadium redevelopment designs, the Yorkshire side's home ground could be set to get full planning permission very soon - but one matter could stand in the way, as per reports.

While the CGIs and proposals for updates to the interior at Elland Road have gone down a treat with Whites fans, it's the matter of parking and road safety that could apparently see the approval process stalled.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKkk8R9zVLw
You can see the vision for the new-look Elland Road here.

According to South Leeds Life, we could get final sign-off on the new and improved structure, but concerns around transport and safety could see things held up.

Local democracy reporter Dom Mort quoted that "further work is needed before the impact of the development on the highway and transport network can be fully understood and mitigated."

Following a panel meeting last Thursday, assurances were made regarding parking and possible increased congestion, with Leeds United’s chief business officer, Morrie Eisenberg, stating:

"We have a lot of really tangible measures we think are going to have a real impact on match days." Nevertheless, details as to exactly what the traffic solutions will look like in and around Elland Road remain relatively scarce.

This comes after serious safety concerns for a number of years regarding people getting to the venue, describing how some fans have even disembarked group coaches and hopped out of cars on the active M621.

Elsewhere, despite more than 1000 letters in support of the expansion plans, those who objected to the most recent reports cited "having to plan personal schedules around match days, with significant disruption to social and work commitments."

David Blackburn - councillor for Farnley and Wortley Green Party - said he supported the expansion, caveating in the meeting that "the devil is going to be in the detail of highways. I think it stands or falls on that."

As a result, it is now looking like another full football season may have to roll over before work can prospectively get underway.

Nevertheless, there seems to be an overwhelmingly positive response to the push on the whole (even if the particulars aren't perfect yet), with the representative for Leeds Central and Headingley writing the following in a letter to the council:

"The stadium upgrade would create new jobs, drive footfall to local businesses and elevate Leeds as a national and international destination for sport and culture."

Alex Sober - Labour MP

What do you make of Leeds United's Elland Road expansion masterplan, and do you think the obstacles suggested are enough to warrant a potential delay?

Read more:

Featured Images — Leeds United FC

Leeds

The UK’s Top 50 Gastropubs have been revealed – and six are in Yorkshire

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The Top 50 gastropubs in the UK have been revealed, and it’s safe to say we’re well and truly spoilt here in Yorkshire.

This year’s prestigious Estrella Damn Gastropubs awards, also known as the ‘pub Oscars’, took place this week - and a whopping six Yorkshire pubs have made it onto the list.

Coming in at number 5 is The Star Inn (Harome, North Yorkshire), a critically acclaimed Michelin-star pub that has had a turbulent few years after burning down in 2020 and reopening only in late 2021.

This certainly hasn't stopped the pub winning numerous accolades since, and it's not hard to see why with when it's described as "the perfect country pub" by the prestigious awards.

Coming in just behind at number six is The Angel (Hetton, Skipton), praised for its "pub food reimagined in a cosy environment that looks out across stunning landscapes."

At number 12 is The Abbey Inn (Byland, North York Moors), the third venue from The Great British Menu' winner and Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks.

This spot also won Sustainable Pub of the Year for 2025, so it's safe to say its scooping up the accolades left, right and centre.

Coming in at number 30 is the one we're most excited about it has to be said, The Highland Laddie is our very own city centre pub that has taken the foodie world by storm since it opened back in May last year.

Having just received a glowing review from Jay Rayner and bagging the Good Food Guide's Best Pub in Britain for 2025, this is a spot we're very proud to have in our city.

The Pipe and Glass (South Dalton, Yorkshire) has been placed at number 31 where guests can dine on "hearty and moreish dishes only, cooked from the heart."

And finally for our delicious county, at number 49 is The Shibden Mill Inn (Halifax, Yorkshire), which has held a spot on the list since 2020 and also snapped the title of Best Pub for Food at the 2022 Great British Pub Awards.

You can take a look at the full list here.

Read more: ‘The pub that refused to die’ – reborn Leeds pub receives glowing national review by Jay Rayner

Featured image - The Angel at Hetton

Leeds

A shop that sells giant NYC-style pizza slices for under £5 is opening in Leeds City Centre

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

After making a huge name for themselves in the market, Pollini's Pizza Slice is opening up a brand-new site.

Okay, it's safe to say we're spoilt for choice for brilliant pizza spots in Leeds but there's not many places where you can grab a slice on-the-go.

And that's exactly what Pollini's Pizza Slice are bringing to the city.

Huge, giant, 24-inch slices of New York-style pizza cooked fresh and served to you within seconds.

Whether you're after a simple margarita, a fiery pepperoni or you like to be that little bit controversial with ham and pineapple - there's a flavour for everyone to enjoy.

They opened inside Kirkgate Market back in 2022, and ever since then they've been inundated with hungry punters looking to grab a slice on their lunch break.

Pollini's Pizza Slice inside Leeds Kirkgate Market.
Images: The Hoot Leeds

And now they're venturing out of the market and opening a new shop in the old Poco Sicilian Street Food site on Lands Lane.

Announcing the exciting news to their social media, Pollini's Pizza Slice said: "We have some EXCITING NEWS!

"With the new year, we’re opening a brand new pizza shop to satisfy all our amazing customers—there are so many of you! Still here every day at Kirkgate Market, serving up massive fresh slices and big smiles to keep you happy!

"But very soon… we’re opening our brand new home at 24A Lands Lane, right in the heart of Leeds city centre.Here’s your first look inside… Can’t wait to welcome you there as well!"

At their new site you'll be able to get your classic slices as well as whole pies, the perfect Friday office pick-me-up if you ask us.

We don't know the exact opening date yet, but we'll be sure to let you know when we do.

Read more: Neighbourhood Leeds restaurant hailed as ‘charming’ and ‘delightful’ by national critic Jay Rayner

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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