Objectors look set to lose traffic battle over Tesco as report sanctions orders

Bradford Council is to consider a report over plans to impose a Traffic Regulation Order regarding the premises in Mayfield Road.

Objections to plans to introduce No Waiting At Any Time restrictions at Railway Road, Mayfield Road, Little Lane, Valley Drive and Wheatley Lane will be studied by members of Keighley Area Committee on April 12.

Nearly two years ago a Public Inquiry was held which granted approval for construction of a replacement Tesco food store on land at Railway Road and Mayfield Road.

But the developer was required to carry out a number of highway improvements in the area designed to address road safety concerns raised in relation to increased traffic volumes and in relation to vehicles entering and exiting the store.

In September 2011 proposals for the introduction of the restrictions were drafted and consultations with residents and local businesses begun.

The majority of comments related to the proposal of putting waiting restrictions on Railway Road at its junction with Golden Butts Road and Wilmot Road.

The report quotes a letter received from Ilkley Civic Society regarding the orders.

It says: “Our view on the Traffic Regulation Orders is that they will have minimal affect (sic) on improving traffic management as we believe the changes to be based on out-of-date traffic figures that underestimate the traffic levels in Ilkley.

“We already have considerable congestion at times at the Railway Road/Brooke Street junction even before the Tesco development.”

And the authority says “there will be an opportunity ‘post-opening’ of the store to build on the existing scheme should it be considered necessary in an attempt to further improve conidtions.”

Members of Keighley’s Area Committee will discuss the report at its meeting on April 12 at Keighley Town Hall.

The recommendation is for the objections to be overruled.