Otley Street Vision and Consultation
A timeline of consultation activity, updates and town centre vision work
Town Council Street Vision Update – November 2022
A vision for a safer, greener, more pleasant and prosperous town
Otley Town Council remained committed to improving the town’s streets, making them safer, greener and better for shopping and leisure. This work supported the health and wellbeing of residents, the prosperity of the town and wider environmental aims.
As part of this vision, the Council supported initiatives such as 20mph limits, wider paths in town parks and improvements for pedestrians near Otley Bridge. The Council also funded the installation of Speed Indicator Devices in key locations.
During 2022, a survey was carried out to gather the views of Otley residents and businesses. The results showed strong support for improvements that would make Otley more pedestrian‑friendly, including widening the pavement on the east side of Kirkgate.
The full report by PJA Consultants was accepted by Council on 14th November 2022. Acceptance meant it was noted and shared publicly, without implying agreement with every recommendation. Councillors considered the short‑term suggestions in the months that followed.
Street Vision 2030 Report – DownloadOtley Street Vision 2030 – Public Consultation – April 2022
In April 2022, Otley Town Council carried out a public consultation to gather views on its Street Vision for 2030. The work aimed to make Otley a safer, healthier place for walking, wheeling and cycling, and to support a vibrant, accessible town centre.
The consultation focused on improvements such as pedestrian crossings, continuous footways, better junction design, traffic calming and widened pavements. A survey was carried out as part of this process, with responses accepted until 29th April 2022.
At the time, Cllr Richard Hughes highlighted the value of community feedback gathered during earlier engagement at the Buttercross and encouraged broad participation. Information was made available both online and at Otley Core.
Public Consultation April 2022 – DownloadOtley Street Vision 2030 – Stage 2 Engagement Event – July 2022
On 12th July 2022, Otley Town Council held a Stage 2 engagement event at Otley Core. The event followed the April 2022 consultation, during which a survey was carried out and early design ideas were collected and assessed.
The Stage 2 event presented refined proposals including wider footpaths, new street furniture, inset parking bays, traffic calming, continuous footways, Play Streets and improvements to pedestrian crossings. Members of PJA Consultants attended to answer questions and collect feedback. The event played an important role in helping shape short‑term improvements and informing the longer‑term Street Vision.
Stage 2 Consultation – DownloadLeeds City Council Consultations – November 2024
Overview
Two separate consultations were carried out by Leeds City Council in November 2024, relating to:
- Kirkgate – Street Improvements (closed 31st December 2024)
- Ilkley Road Underpass – Dual‑use Walking & Cycling Route (closed 31st December 2024)
Further details
Kirkgate Consultation
As part of its Street Vision work, Otley Town Council received strong feedback requesting a safer and more pleasant Kirkgate for disabled people, pedestrians and shoppers.
In response, Leeds City Council, Active Travel England and Otley Town Council developed proposals to widen the pavement on the east side of Kirkgate, add trees and provide benches. The wider pavement could also support expanded pavement cafés similar to Leeds City Centre.
Revised parking arrangements on the west side of Kirkgate were explored, including additional disabled spaces, loading bays or short‑stay parking. Otley Town Council collected community views and shared them with Leeds City Council.
Ilkley Road Underpass Consultation
Otley Town Council worked with Leeds City Council to explore a dual‑use path between West Busk Lane and Ilkley Road, using the existing underpass. The proposal included widening the footpath and installing dropped kerbs.
The route would benefit around 700 households in the Bradford Road area, offering safer connections into town and supporting walking and cycling for adults and children.
Otley Town Council publicised the scheme, gathered feedback and passed all responses back to Leeds City Council for review.