Drive for 3,000 parking places in city to be given official status

The development was revealed after car park owners submitted detailed planning applications to the council.

A total of 16 planning applications for car parks were received following the council’s decision last year to review its city centre commuter car parking policy.

The review followed concerns raised by members of the public when enforcement action was taken against seven car parks operating without planning permission.

As a result the council decided to allow a certain number of car parks to remain open on condition the operators undertook certain improvements.

An upper limit of 3,200 places was placed on the number of car park spaces to be approved in order to limit congestion on the motorway and in the city centre. Applications were received for a total of 4568 spaces in all.

These were assessed with preference given to those sites likely to generate the least congestion, provide better security and safety, offer the best quality landscaping, and to those sites offering other beneficial uses.

A report to Leeds City Council plans panel recommends approval for 11 of the 16 applications.

If approved the car parks will be able to stay open for the next five years and will help support the city’s economy and provide much needed environmental improvements.

The revised commuter car parking policy balances competing objectives – including the need to encourage city centre leisure and business, the wish to promote sustainable transport and the opportunity to improve the appearance and safety of the car parks.

A recent study by Government adviser Mary Portas emphasised the importance of car parking in city centres to support their vitality and health.

In September the Yorkshire Post reported that owners of unauthorised car parks in the city centre were to be allowed to continue operating so long as improvements were made in appearance and security.

The council was anxious to limit their spread so as not to encourage more people to drive to work and park in the centre.

Coun Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive member responsible for development and economy, said:

“These proposals will mean the people of Leeds will benefit from car parks that are safer, look better and which serve the needs of commuters and the wider city economy.

“When businesses and members of the public raised concerns about the closure of these car parks we responded quickly by suspending enforcement action and setting up a review of city centre parking.

“We understand that these car parks provide valuable commuter car parking spaces, particularly around the south side of the city centre, and that this can help support local businesses.

“It is also the case that major public transport schemes which were anticipated – such as Supertram and the park and ride proposals– have not yet materialised.

“The application process has been transparent and fair. We have assessed the applications against a set of very clear criteria.

“We have used the planning process to secure overall improvements to the appearance of the sites while still considering the wider transport needs of the city.”

The car parks recommended for approval are: Wellington Place North (200 places), Wellington Place South (490 places), former Brewey Hunslet Lane (1091), City One, Sweet Street (1833), Whitehall Riverside (TCS) (2256), Skinner Lane (2331),

Globe Road (A) (2501), Globe Road (E) (2584), Globe Road (C) (2740), Midland Mills, Water Lane (2940), Ingram Street (3218). The plans panel will meet to consider the applications on Thursday.