I am aware that a number of residents have taken an active interest in this issue. Set out below is the latest update:
Otley Bridge: Oak tree to be removed from this Friday (31 January)
Leeds City Council is proposing to remove the two trees near to Otley Bridge from this Friday (31 January) so work can begin to replace the deteriorating pedestrian footway.
The council must fell the mature oak tree and tulip tree before bird nesting season begins at the end of February to be able to remove the existing footway and install a temporary footway. Up to now the council has been unable to safely remove the two trees despite several site visits.
If this were to continue beyond the end-of-February deadline, the only viable alternative to allow pedestrians to cross the River Wharfe would be to reduce Otley Bridge to single lane traffic with three-way temporary traffic signals for the duration of the works, which are expected to last until late Autumn.
Recently the council installed temporary signals on Otley Bridge, reducing it to a single lane, to allow further in-depth inspections of the footway and traffic monitoring. This led to a significant amount of disruption in the local area and the council has received a large amount of correspondence from key partners including bus operators, ward members and residents raising concerns about the potential impacts if this were to continue over a longer period.
This includes lengthy vehicle queuing, ‘gridlock’ and congestion, with some short journeys taking as long as 45 minutes, and delays for public transport and for students attending the nearby schools. Other correspondence also refers to ‘fewer visitors and lost income’ to businesses, and ‘major concerns’ about emergency services journeys including to the hospital.
Today the council has taken the additional step of publishing a delegated decision notification which approves the felling of the two trees and proposes that this takes place from this Friday.
The notification recognises the impact of the temporary signals and the correspondence received, and records the decision to proceed with officers’ recommendations that that the installation of a temporary footbridge, which would require the felling of the two trees, is the most appropriate solution to ensure pedestrians can continue to cross the river.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “We recognise the strength of feeling around protecting the two trees, and admire the passion and dedication of the groups involved.
“However, the disruption seen since introducing the temporary signals reaffirms our position that the temporary footway is the best solution for the town compared to the only other viable alternative of reducing Otley Bridge to single-lane traffic for around six months. This is supported by the vast majority of correspondence I have received in recent weeks, with many residents and businesses expressing their concerns about long-term traffic management measures.
“We intend to fell the two trees from this Friday so that we able to progress the essential work to install the temporary footbridge, so pedestrians and vehicles can safely cross the River Wharfe.”
In accordance with the council’s guidance, the trees would be replaced by a minimum of 13 semi mature trees across the Otley area, including in Tittybottle Park, subject to community consultation.
Should works commence to install the temporary footway in March, these would take around 12 weeks and it would be expected to be open in late spring 2025.
The existing footway would then be removed from spring 2025 on completion of the temporary footway, with work lasting 20 weeks.
The replacement permanent footway would be expected to be open in autumn 2025. All dates are dependent on weather and river conditions, and subject to the condition of the Otley Bridge once the existing footway has been removed.
More information about the Otley Bridge project, including frequently asked questions and details of all the options explored by the council, can be found at: Have Your Say Today - Otley Bridge - Commonplace
