Those houses on the West side are quite a way from the ground, I dont see an issue provided the stand is not really too high. After all there are houses which are nearer the new East stand and also behind the boxes and a stand or structure no higher than those would easily be be sufficient.

Planning permission would not be a huge issue, mainly because precedents have already been set. This is how planning and the law in the U.K. tends to work.

There was an existing structure there up until 1987. It was a fairly tall structure, but most importantly it was there long before the houses.

Then in 1990 the old boxes were erected, which again are quite tall. Not long after a TV gantry was added. So at no point have most of those houses not had some obstructed view from the rugby ground.

Added to this the gardens are very long and at no point would a stand similar in height to the old stand deprive less than 50% of the garden area of sunlight for more than a few hours a day.

It would be hard to argue that a new stand, even a relatively tall one would have a significant effect. If done sympathetically it would be very easy to argue that a new stand would vastly improve the residents outlook.

The only issue would be capacity. Due to noise and access issues you’d struggle to get a big increase. I think the most the planners would go for would be around what it is now, max maybe 3,000 at a push. However with the edition of boxes and bars and maybe a media suit on a second level you’d probably offset the potential loss and make the stand a viable proposition.

A clever architect and an even smarter planning specialist would easily push that through. Especially as we now have a far more sympathetic council. As we know, Ellis only buys the best

Finally let’s not forget that we have the South end of the ground. There is easily enough room for a 3-5,000 capacity stand there depending on the configuration should we ever need it. So we are very lucky in that respect.

Totally correct on all points. Problems getting planning for a reasonable sized stand is a myth

That's what I thought too, including what you mentioned regarding the south stand.

However, I have next to no experience within technicalities on building regulations.

I’m sure that’s as close to 100% correct as we’ll ever get, at least until ME tests it out for real.

I have one question though regarding capacity
The old stand sat central to the pitch, maybe covering 50 metres (25m either side of the half way line.
Let’s say that stand or a modern stand of similar size would hold 2,000 spectators. Thats the equivalent of 1000 spectators for every 25m. A RL pitch runs 100m with an extra 20 metres either end of the terracing = 120 metres.
That ratio would equal 4,800 spectators on the West side of the stadium should we want to?