CHEVIN FOREST PARK

A Leeds report issued on 2nd January tells us that just under 7,500 residents responded to the consultation last Autumn on the principle of charging for the Chevin Forest Car Parks; with 84% of them objecting to the proposal. Ward Councillors were ‘generally in opposition’, and Otley Town Council said it could not support the move. Charging is being considered because of financial constraints on LCC’s budgets. In 2024, £133 million will be required by the Council for debt servicing; amounting to 20% of the net revenue budget.

In general, residents thought that Chevin car parks should be maintained from council budgets, and that cuts could be made in other areas eg the Leeds 2023 festival, rather than impose limits on access to green space for wellbeing. Leeds 2023 is believed to have cost over £10 million with no estimate available on any revenue it generated.

However, despite all this, and a dearth of figures on number of visitors, the revenue that might be obtained from charging, or the cost of mitigation effects, Leeds City Council is recommending adoption of the scheme. LCC have promised to spend all revenue raised from charging on the car parks.  The following are indicative charges payable from 8am-8pm by card, mobile phone app, or an annual season ticket – cash is suggested for pre-payment only.

• Up to £1 for the first hour.
•  £1.35 up to 2 hours.
•  £2.50 for half a day.
•  Up to £4 per day.
•  Season ticket: £60 per annum

Issues and Concerns

The report acknowledges the level of opposition to the move adding ” This is not surprising given that people are being asked to pay for something that they have considered to be ‘free”. This is despite LCC’s strategic ambition to be the Best City, and a goal “: enabling every community in the city to have safe connected spaces, streets and paths to access a local park or green space.“

The displacement of parking on the roadside is also acknowledged, thus traffic will be monitored after the introduction of the charges. Yellow lines will be put in if required at a cost to the council. 

Not acknowledged is, the lack of public transport to the Chevin Forest Park and inaccessibility for many people by foot . Nor is the use of the Chevin by various community groups and organizations for activities, or that it is the site for public gatherings eg at Easter for the Easter Cross and national events being a National Beacon site. Neither is the impact on other local public spaces eg for dog walking examined, which will increase wear and tear and thus maintenance.

Also not mentioned is the fact that legally in its Habitat Regulations Assessments (point 4.6 in this version) for their Site Allocation Plan (SAP) Leeds mitigates the impact of housing development within 4.5miles (7km) of the South and North Pennine Moors by encouraging recreational use of the Chevin Forest Park. That affects all housing development in Guiseley, High Royds, Yeadon, Nether Yeadon and Otley, as well as in Menston.

The recommendation has gone for a decision to Council’s Department is Energy, Climate and Green Spaces, the Chief Officer is Polly.Cook@leeds.gov.uk, Lead Councillor is Mohammed.Rafique@leeds.gov.uk. If you’d like to comment on the recommendation paper than local ward councillors are the first port of call.

Otley & Yeadon – Colin.Campbell@leeds.gov.uk, Ryk.Downes@leeds.gov.uk, Sandy.Lay@leeds.gov.uk

Guiseley & Rawdon – Paul.Alderson@leeds.gov.uk, Eleanor. Thomson@leeds.gov.uk, Oliver.Edwards@leeds.gov.uk

CHARGING FOR NETHERFIELD ROAD, GUISELEY STATION CAR PARK

The Council is now consulting on a charging scheme for the Netherfield Road, Station Car Park. The consultation is here. https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/L6NZ7H/. Last day of response 21 January 2024.

There is also a petition against this charging here.

The car park was negotiated in lieu of employment space with the Developers of the Netherfield Road housing site opposite. The purpose was to stop parking on the many residential streets surrounding the Railway Station, particularly as many commuters from surrounding settlements use Guiseley Station.