Leeds City Council is set to remove a mature oak and tulip tree near Otley Bridge starting this Friday, January 31, to replace a worn-out pedestrian footway before the bird nesting season begins. This necessary decision aims to improve public safety and traffic flow, despite community concerns, with plans for at least 13 replacement trees in the area following the work.
Why are trees being removed near Otley Bridge?
Leeds City Council is removing a mature oak and tulip tree near Otley Bridge to allow for the replacement of a deteriorating pedestrian footway. The removal, starting on January 31, must occur before bird nesting season begins to avoid traffic disruptions and ensure public safety. A temporary footway will be implemented, with further consultations on tree replacements.
Leeds City Council’s Decision on Tree Felling
Leeds City Council has officially announced the removal of two trees close to Otley Bridge to commence this Friday, the 31st of January. This action is a precursor to vital infrastructural work aimed at replacing the deteriorating pedestrian footway. The mature oak and tulip tree must be felled before the onset of the bird nesting season, which traditionally begins at the end of February. Previous attempts to safely remove the trees have been unsuccessful after several site visits.
The urgency to complete the tree removal process is underscored by a strict deadline. If the work extends beyond the end of February, the consequences would demand a significant alteration in traffic flow. Otley Bridge, a crucial crossing over the River Wharfe, would be reduced to single lane traffic. This would necessitate the use of three-way temporary traffic signals throughout the duration of the works, which are anticipated to last until late Autumn.
The necessity of this operation is highlighted by the recent installation of temporary signals on Otley Bridge. The move, which saw the bridge reduced to a single lane, was for further in-depth inspections and traffic monitoring. This resulted in substantial disruption, provoking a significant response from the community, including bus operators, ward members, and local residents.
Community Impact and Correspondence
Following the temporary signal installation, the local area experienced increased vehicle queuing, ‘gridlock,’ and congestion. It led to long delays for not only private vehicles but also public transport, affecting students attending nearby schools. One stark illustration of the impact is that some short journeys took as long as 45 minutes. Local businesses have reported ‘fewer visitors and lost income,’ and significant concerns have been aired regarding emergency services’ access to the hospital.
In response to these challenges, Leeds City Council has published a delegated decision notification. It approves the felling of the problematic trees this Friday, acknowledging the impact of the temporary signals and the substantial correspondence received. The decision concurs with officers’ recommendations that the installation of a temporary footbridge, which necessitates the felling of the trees, is the most suitable solution for pedestrian access across the river.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, responsible for economy, transport, and sustainable development, remarked, “We recognize 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.” This view is echoed by the majority of correspondence he has received, with many residents and businesses indicating their concerns about long-term traffic management measures.
Replacement and Project Timeline
In line with council guidelines, these trees will not be lost without replacement. A minimum of 13 semi-mature trees will be planted across the Otley area, including in Tittybottle Park, with the specific locations subject to community consultation. If the temporary footway installation begins in March, completion is expected to take approximately 12 weeks, with the opening slated for late spring 2025.
Once the temporary footway is operational, the existing one will be dismantled, a process estimated to last 20 weeks, starting from spring 2025. The new permanent footway is projected to open in autumn 2025. All schedules are contingent upon favorable weather and river conditions, and the state of Otley Bridge following the removal of the existing footway.
Further details about the Otley Bridge project, including answers to frequently asked questions and an overview of all options considered by the council, are available for public scrutiny. Interested parties are encouraged to engage and Have Your Say Today – Otley Bridge – Commonplace.
- Leeds City Council will remove a mature oak and tulip tree near Otley Bridge starting on January 31 to replace a worn-out pedestrian footway before the bird nesting season begins.
- The tree removal is necessary to prevent significant disruptions to traffic flow and ensure public safety, with the project expected to last until late Autumn.
- Local residents and businesses have expressed concerns about the impact of temporary traffic signals, which have resulted in increased congestion and delays in the area.
- In response to community feedback, the council plans to plant at least 13 semi-mature replacement trees across the Otley area following the tree removal.
- The timeline for the new temporary footway installation is anticipated to begin in March, with completion expected in late spring 2025, followed by the dismantling of the existing footway.