Sheffield United Football Club (SUFC) has submitted its plans to redevelop the Bramall Lane stadium to the Sheffield City Council.

The plans divide the redevelopment of the ground into two phases, with phase one comprising the extension of the Frasers Property Kop to increase its capacity by more than 3,200 seats – resulting in the overall capacity increasing to 37,000.

A further planning application for phase two of the development is expected in the near future and it is understood that the proposals will include the extension of the Valad Stand and development of the car park, ultimately taking the potential capacity to above 40,000.

The development proposals also include the removal of columns from the Kop, a new undercover concourse with modern kiosks and toilet facilities, new executive boxes and disabled facilities in the Evolution Corner Stand, a media/business centre between the Valad Stand and Kop and additional community amenities.

A student residential block will be developed on the corner of Shoreham Street and John Street.

The proposals are intended to provide the club with the flexibility to increase the capacity of the ground, given its ambition to return to the Premier League and will enhance the ability to generate additional revenues which can be ploughed back into the first team.

Initial masterplans for the project were announced in 2007, but plans were put on hold as the club was relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2006-2007 season.

United chief executive, Jason Rockett, said: “We have been working on the masterplan for more than three years in order to provide a comprehensive medium to long term strategy for the expansion of the stadium and to continue to grow off field revenue streams.

“Given the complexity of any stadium development, it is important to be well prepared in order to be able to adapt to changing circumstances and not stagnate as a business. Any proposals obviously depend on success on the pitch which remains the club’s key focus."