Otley Town Council Support for Proposed Kirkgate Improvements

Otley Town Council welcomes the news that Leeds City Council has been successful in a funding bid to Active Travel England (a government organisation) which will enable significant improvements to the pedestrian environment in the town centre. The Town Council supported the bid on behalf of residents who told us, during extensive consultation, that improvements on Kirkgate would be welcome*. It should be positive for residents and visitors, benefitting business as well.

In line with community requests, the proposals will widen the footpath on the east side of Kirkgate to provide more space for walkers and wheelers, develop a ‘café culture’ further, whilst the usable carriageway will be made wider to improve traffic flows. Planning discussion will consider how best to provide a loading bay for both business deliveries, a pickup point for shoppers and provision of dedicated disabled spaces.

It is intended that a financial contribution from the Town Council will enable tree planting and new seating in the area to further enhance the environment

*The Town Council commissioned a report into town centre improvements from PJA Consulting.  PJA Consulting specifically asked the public their views on Kirkgate improvements; during a two stage consultation, pavement widening on the east side of the street was supported. The report can be found here: www.otleytowncouncil.gov.uk/streetvision2030/