Decision made over new 61-space pay and display car park in Hebden Bridge

Calderdale Council’s Planning Committee green lighted the authority’s plans for the 61-space car park next to the Hebden Vale Centre at Bridge Lanes, Hebden Bridge, when they met this week.

Public opinion was roughly evenly split in terms of representations with 13 letters of objection and ten letters of support.

Objectors’ concerns access to the car park which they say would be by a narrow bridge at Stubbing Holme Road, the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, the increase in congestion, and impact on air quality.

Supporters of the plans said Hebden Bridge needs more parking space as a tourist town and it would benefit businesses, help reduce traffic queues and be good for the economy.

In his objector statement Anthony Rae of Friends of the Earth pointed out there was a 30 plus space car park immediately next to the application site but it was not available for public parking because it was not charged.

Mr Rae said he had suggested for a decade that it be made available to support the shops on Market Street, but to no avail.

But ward councillor Coun Dave Young (Lab, Calder) backed the proposals, writing to the committee: “There is a great need for public parking spaces at the west side of Hebden Bridge.

“The shopkeepers of Market Street would greatly appreciate this new car park as it would encourage more out-of-town shoppers to visit Market Street.”

Coun Young said in his opinion he did not think this area is suitable for housing due to it being on a flood plain.

Hebden Royd Town Council had objected on grounds of green belt and road safety.

The site has most recently been used by the Environment Agency as a compound for flood alleviation scheme works – the Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation scheme is due to get under way later this year.