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?

The biggest problem would be light and there are calculations the planners use to determine negative effect of that. All this bull about it will spoil the houses view is rubbish. Views are not a consideration and as they say "you dont own a view"

I think you have more experience of this than me but I'm not sure the old stand will help us this much in the planning.
When it was built there were no planning permission rules and the people currently living in the houses would have bought the houses with nothing between them and the evening sun.

But hopefully the fact that the Belle Vue side is slightly lower than the houses will mean there's nothing really to contest.

Are you blind, how long have you been going to Belle Vue ? the evening sun sets behind the houses, not at the ground side.

I do hope that whatever is planned doesn't get objections.
It can only be beneficial to the area.
Talking of which- how come no action is taken to prevent the dumping of settees, fridges etc etc In the alleyways approaching the ground from Agbrigg?
It's an absolute disgrace - God knows what visiting supports think!
Even worse are some of the gardens adjacent to the ground- must be rat infested - there was even what looked like a bus engine dumped there!
How do they get away with it? What's the point in ME spending millions on the inside when the council are clearly not doing their job on the outside?
Makes me think they don't want to upset the residents !
To hell either that it needs sorting out!

Oh yes of course. Lol.
Sunrise then. Same point.

Council should be cleaning the alley.
The gardens you'd have to prove a serious health risk.

Residents shouldn't be fly tipping in the alley, the council have a rubbish collection service for larger items and are strapped for cash as it is without having to deal with that. I suspect the problem is that many of the homes are rented and the landlords don't give a toss about the aesthetic appeal of the area.

I agree - if you've seen the 'gardens' I refer to I don't think it would take much proving.