Pool riding school reopening 'a safety worry' (From Wharfedale Observer)
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Pool riding school reopening 'a safety worry'
5:00pm Friday 2nd November 2012 in Local news By Jim Jack
Road safety concerns have been raised regarding plans to reopen a riding school at Pool-in-Wharfedale.
Leeds City Council is considering a scheme that would create a new outdoor riding area and add an office extension to stables at Pool Court Arena, off Pool Bank New Road.
But councillors and residents are worried that vehicles turning into and off the busy A658 will create an unacceptable road safety hazard.
Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) is calling for council officers to join him for a site visit to discuss these concerns, and has asked the plan be taken to a panel meeting.
He said: “I cannot believe highways really think it is acceptable to have traffic in and out of that entrance, with the volumes of traffic we get in Pool Bank New Road during the day and at weekends, or that it is a safe junction to get in and out of.
“I will also try to impress upon officers there is a need to provide a buffer between residents in Acorn Way and the site, and to minimise any noise or light leakage from the courtyards or from the buildings.”
The riding school has not been operating for years, but council officers have concluded the site cannot be considered ‘abandoned’, and therefore the planned development can only be viewed as minor alterations.
Pool Parish Council, however, shares Coun Anderson’s concerns.
Chairman Councillor Hazel Lee said: “We’re concerned they want the access quite near a dangerous corner on a very busy road.
“There’s also a drainage and flooding issue.”
Comments on the plan – application number 12/03537/FU – will still be accepted if they are received within the next few days.
The application can be viewed through Leeds City Council website’s public access link. Comments can be e-mailed to planning@leeds.gov.uk or posted to Planning Services, The Leonardo Building, 2 Rossington Street, Leeds LS2 8HD.
