Ilkley Town Council has this week submitted a written objection to Bradford Council regarding its proposed changes to on street parking, which includes the removal of the 1 hour free parking.
Ilkley Town Council’s Chair, Mayor Jane Gibson, called an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council on Tuesday 17 June in order to discuss Bradford Metropolitan District Council’s latest parking proposals for Ilkley.
Bradford Council’s consultation, Proposed On-Street Parking Tariffs and Charges Order (CORP/PCD/MW/418699), outlines plans to remove the one-hour free street parking in Ilkley, as well as increasing charging until 8pm [from 6pm], inclusive of bank holidays.
During the Extraordinary Meeting, it was resolved that Ilkley Town Council would officially object to the proposals, whilst also requesting an extension on the deadline to allow residents and other interested parties enough time to consider and formulate their individual responses. Ilkley Town Council also resolved to distribute physical copies of the current e-petition ‘Save Ilkley’s One Hour Free Parking’ to local shops and community centres to facilitate people vocalising their dissent, if unable to access the e-petition.
The letter, sent to Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning & Transport, can be read in full below:
Dear Councillor Ross-Shaw,
Ilkley Town Council wishes to register the strongest possible objection to Bradford Council’s proposed changes to on-street parking arrangements in Ilkley town centre.
Foremost among our concerns is the proposal to abolish the current provision of one hour’s free parking. This change would have a disproportionate and detrimental impact on Ilkley residents, many of whom have already incurred the cost of annual parking permits simply to park near their homes. The removal of the free hour risks penalising local taxpayers who rely on this short-term parking to carry out essential daily activities such as shopping, collecting prescriptions, using our many local hospitality outlets, visiting places of worship, or meeting friends. It also poses a practical challenge for parents dropping off or collecting children from school, where quick access and short stays are often necessary.
The knock-on effect on local businesses would also be significant. If residents are discouraged from making quick visits to the town centre, local shops and service providers will inevitably suffer from reduced footfall and fewer spontaneous purchases. Many small, independent businesses in Ilkley rely heavily on this regular local trade to remain viable. Making the town centre less accessible to its own residents risks undermining its commercial and social vitality.
In contrast, visitors to Ilkley—who typically stay for longer periods—already expect to pay for parking. The proposed changes therefore place an unfair and unnecessary burden on residents, while doing little to increase revenue or change the parking behaviour of longer-stay visitors.
We are further concerned about the inclusion of Bank Holidays within the proposed chargeable periods. These are times when the town is at its most vibrant, with community events, family outings, and increased activity in shops and cafés. Introducing parking charges on Bank Holidays sends the wrong message and is likely to deter participation in events that strengthen our local economy and community spirit.
The argument for "a coherent and regionally aligned parking strategy for Bradford District" (Statement of Reasons) ignores the fact that Ilkley has no other free parking in the town centre and is the only bank and chemist location between Skipton and Otley.
Ilkley Town Council urges Bradford Council to reconsider these proposals and to demonstrate that the public consultation process is both meaningful and inclusive. Please, at least, extend the consultation to the end of July because three weeks is not long enough to enable residents, businesses, and community groups to organise a response.
As CBMDC representative on Ilkley BID for over six years, you are aware of the problems faced by our small independent businesses. We encourage you and Bradford Council to develop parking arrangements that encourage economic activity, support residents and maintain the unique character of our town.
Yours respectfully,
On behalf of Ilkley Town Council
Any individual wishing to object to the proposed Order should send the grounds for their objection in writing to Bradford Council, either by post to the address below or by email to: objections@bradford.gov.uk to be received no later than 12 noon on 2 July 2025 quoting reference: CORP/PCD/MW/418699
Director of Legal and Governance, Legal and Democratic Services, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, City Hall, Bradford, BD1 1HY
Further information about Bradford’s proposals can be viewed on the Ilkley Town Council website: ilkleytowncouncil.gov.uk
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