Council reveals major car park revamp at Leeds beauty spot following fee backlash
More parking spaces and better access planned for Leeds beauty spot car park 🌳
Car park improvements will be carried out using funds raised from charging drivers at a popular beauty spot.
More parking bays, improved surfacing and better signage will be installed at Golden Acre Park by Leeds City Council.
The upgrade was planned after parking charges were controversial introduced at Golden Acre and other city parks in February last year.
Charges of £4 per day at five parks were said to have raised more than £550,000 in six months.
Leeds City Council drew up a planning application which would see the number of parking spaces at Golden Acre increase from 105 to 122.
A planning officer’s report said the Arthington Road car park was currently unmarked and in a poor condition.
It said: “This results in inefficient parking patterns which can also cause obstructions.
“The proposals improve the surfacing and formally lay out the parking spaces.”
A public consultation was held in in January 2025 on the proposal, which would provide six disabled parking bays at the park.
Electric vehicle charging points were considered for the site but deemed not to be viable.
The report said: “The scheme results in a minor increase in the number of parking spaces which include specific motorcycle and disabled provision.
“Overall, the proposals are considered to result in significant improvements in parking provision and usability for all users compared to the existing situation.”
Blue badge holders are exempt from the parking charges, also introduced at Roundhay, Temple Newsam, Otley Chevin and Middleton parks.