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Ilkley Town Council condemns Bradford Council’s decision on parking changes

Tuesday, 7 October 2025 11:02

Ilkley Town Council calls for transparency and reversal of “damaging and ill-considered” policy

Ilkley Town Council has expressed strong objection to the decision of Bradford Council’s Executive Committee regarding proposed parking changes in Ilkley — including the limited compromise to retain approximately 160 one-hour free parking spaces near the town centre.

The Town Council has described this concession as “trivial” and says it fails to address the serious and well-evidenced concerns repeatedly raised by residents, businesses, and councillors.

Despite the clear and detrimental impact on the Ilkley community, Ilkley Town Council was not informed of, or given the opportunity to respond to, the proposed concession and has not been formally notified of the Executive Committee’s resolution. The Council has called this omission “unacceptable and indicative of a concerning lack of transparency and respect for local democracy.”

More than 4,000 residents have formally opposed the parking changes, with 1,558 signing Bradford Council’s own e-petition and a further 2,753 adding their names to a paper petition submitted to the Council in June and July 2025. Ilkley Town Council says the absence of any reference to this substantial public opposition in the Executive Committee’s report is “deeply disappointing.”

The Town Council warns that removing one-hour free parking in central areas will reduce accessibility for those who are disabled, less mobile, elderly, or unable to manage Ilkley’s steep inclines. The Equality Impact Assessment relied upon by Bradford Council, produced in 2023, was not specific to Ilkley’s geography or community needs and is therefore considered by the Town Council to be “wholly inadequate.”

Ilkley Town Council has also criticised the proposed enforcement of parking charges up to 8pm and on Bank Holidays, describing it as an “unnecessary and unjustified burden” that will deter visitors, reduce footfall, and harm local businesses and the town’s economy.

Cllr Jane Gibson, Town Mayor and Chair of Ilkley Town Council, said:

“This decision ignores the overwhelming evidence and the voices of thousands of Ilkley residents and business owners. It will make our town less accessible, less welcoming, and less vibrant. We urge Bradford Council to listen to our community, rescind this damaging decision, and work with us constructively to develop a fair parking policy that supports Ilkley’s economy and residents.”

Ilkley Town Council has called on Bradford Metropolitan District Council to:

  • Rescind the Executive Committee’s decision immediately.
  • Restore one-hour free parking spaces within Ilkley town centre.
  • and review extended charging hours and Bank Holiday enforcement to ensure parking policy supports, rather than harms, the town’s economy and community life.

The Town Council says it remains ready to engage in transparent and constructive dialogue with Bradford Council to achieve a solution that reflects the views and needs of the Ilkley community.

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