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?

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Featured Images — Leeds United FC

Leeds

Team behind Headrow House and Belgrave to take over and reopen Woodside just one year after opening

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The foodie-favourite restaurant and bar is now under new management.

The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that Woodside has sadly been closed for a few months.

We certainly have, and ever since December we've had a Woodside Sunday roast-shaped hole in our hearts that's been gasping for one of their glorious Marmite glazed parsnips.

But luckily, it has now been confirmed that Woodside isn't going anywhere as Superfriendz, the team behind Headrow House, Belgrave and many other top Leeds spots will be taking over. Hallelujah.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Woodside opened at the end of 2024 from the owners of The Brunswick and The Melbourne.

Labelling itself as a 'neighbourhood eatery and bar', Woodside quickly became a favourite amongst Leeds foodies and was known for its smoked meats, great cocktails and stellar Sunday roasts (do I need to talk about the parsnips again).

The menu was fresh and innovative, with oysters topped with kiwi granita and an incredibly garish banana split standing out as highlights.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

We hope that the new management continues to maintain Woodside's brilliance, but mainly we're just so glad that it's sticking around.

Superfriendz take care of a whole host of spots in the city, including proper Leeds favourites Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Waterlane Boathouse.

Announcing the news to Instagram, Woodside said: "After a longer-than-expected winter break, Woodside is back and will reopen on Thursday 19th March!

"Your favourite neighbourhood bar and eatery returns with the same warm welcome, but an all new management team.

"We can’t wait to see you so keep your eyes on our socials for news on great food and drinks, big screen sports, quizzes and more.

"We’d also like to thank Sam and the original team for all the hard work that went into setting-up the venue. We hope we can do it justice."

Read more: Horsforth Brewery to takeover and save beloved Ilkley tap house

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

A new female-founded business has opened in Leeds and it’s a trinket-lover’s paradise

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Lisa Angel has just opened inside the Victoria Gate and it’s an Aladdin’s Cave full of jewellery, prints, gifts and everything in between.

The best part? It’s a female-founded brand that has chosen our wonderful city for their first Yorkshire site. We absolutely don't blame them.

Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has gone from strength to strength every since.

The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Shoppers can expect beautifully handcrafted jewellery, unique trinkets and wonderful staff who are open to have a natter.

It's the perfect shop for when you don't exactly know what to buy that someone special, just pop in here and you'll be hit with a wave of inspiration immediately.

We could've genuinely spent a good hour in there and come out with a much lighter wallet.

Lisa herself spoke about the opening: “As an independent retailer, we are thrilled to launch in a destination with such a reputation as Victoria Leeds.

"We believe retail should remain grounded in inspiration and discovery, and we look forward to bringing just that to the vibrant city of Leeds, in our first store in the north.”

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Managing Director James Moody said: “We're incredibly excited to be opening our first northern showcase store in such a prestigious location.

"Victoria Leeds represents exactly the kind of vibrant retail destination where we can bring the full Lisa Angel experience to new customers. This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our retail presence."

Read more: New grassroots music space aiming to make DJing and music more accessible opening in Headingley this month

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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