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Canalside car park would 'pose serious public safety concerns'

The site of the proposed car park <i>(Image: newsquest)</i>
The site of the proposed car park (Image: newsquest)

A CANALSIDE car park would “pose serious public safety concerns” and “be at odds with the vibrancy” of the Leeds Liverpool Canal – according to planners.

Bradford Council has refused an application to turn an area of land at the side of the canal in Shipley, and on the outskirts of Saltaire, into an 18 space public car park.

The site is next to Ashley Mills, a dilapidated warehouse that dates back to when the canal was an important transport route.

Applicant Jamil Ashraf, who owns the warehouse and submitted the application, said 10 spaces would be created at the canalside site, with a further eight created at the end of Ashley Lane.

His application added: “The development will also assist with regeneration and prevent neglected land from falling further into an eyesore.”

But the plans were heavily criticised by Bradford Council officers, who refused the plans for five separate reasons.

Officers said the plan went against the Council’s policies on limiting new car parks in town centres with ample parking, adding “Shipley is well served by public car parks as well as public transport.”

The site is on one of the main routes into Saltaire, and officers added: “The proposed use of the site as a pay and display car park would have a negative impact on the character, appearance and setting of both the Leeds-Liverpool Canal Conservation Area and the approach to the nearby Saltaire World Heritage Site.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The site of the planned car park
Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The site of the planned car park

The site of the planned car park (Image: newsquest)

“The development is not regarded as being complementary to the character of either the adjacent former warehouse building known as Ashley Mills, or its waterside location.

“The buildings are already neglected and deteriorating and the presence of large quantities of vehicles will compound the visual signs of abandonment and would hamper the regeneration of this heritage asset.

“The use of the site as a car park would be unacceptable in this prominent canal side location as the presence of parked cars here would be at odds with the character and vibrancy of the surrounding canal side area to the detriment of visual amenity.

“The proposed car park is substandard in terms of its layout and poses serious public safety concerns in view of the limited space to manoeuvre and its waterside location.”

Planners also said there was a lack of information on issues like what would be demolished on site, where the ticket machines would go and what would be done to prevent pollutants from cars from entering the canal.