Proposal for new Horsforth rail link to get further airing (From Wharfedale Observer)

Proposal for new Horsforth rail link to get further airing

9:15am Wednesday 25th July 2007 in Local news By Annette McIntyre

The possibility of a rail link near a massive planned development on the outskirts of Horsforth is to be discussed by the chairman of Metro.

Ryk Downes will outline the possibilities for a station at a future meeting of the North West (Outer) Area Committee, of which he is a member.

The issue, which was first mooted several years ago, was raised again as members of the committee studied a report about the proposals for a massive development on the site of the old Woodside Quarry.

The idea of a train station for Woodside has enjoyed widespread support for some time.

Two years ago Leeds City Council backed a motion calling for a string of new and old stations, including Apperley Bridge and Horsforth Woodside, to be opened to improve public transport.

The idea, which was also backed by Metro, was seen as a way of making a significant difference to the traffic on the A65 corridor. Horsforth Woodside, just off the ring road, was seen by many as the ideal place for a park and ride site.

The issue was raised again as members of the area committee viewed a report on the proposed scheme to develop the former Woodside quarry.

The application, which has been submitted for outline planning consent, includes 475 homes, offices, a medical centre, hotel, pub, gym, creche and nursing home.

The proposals include a number of highway improvements across three junctions and the ring road. These include the widening of the A6120 Ring road approaches to the Low Lane roundabout, and the widening of the exits to allow two lanes of traffic to circulate around the roundabout.

Area committee member Andy Barker said there were some concerns over the housing - some of which could be four or five stories high.

"Obviously the biggest concern is the impact it will have upon the area and upon the residents of Horsforth," he said.

He added: "With any scheme there are benefits as well as losses - so we are just keeping an eye on it at the moment."

He added: "The one thing we want out of this is a rail station there. We are asking for a briefing from Metro at the next meeting."

The planned development - along with another major scheme off Low Lane - is concerning Horsforth Civic Society, which has warned that 'Horsforth is full.' A spokesman for the society said: "We will have two major developments, one in Horsforth and one on the edge of Horsforth, and we are concerned about issues of sustainability."

He said if the two developments went ahead several thousand extra people could need to use Horsforth facilities.