Thousands have a say on proposed new rail stations for Leeds: Public consultation deadline is extended

The consultation on proposed new stations at Thorpe Park in East Leeds and White Rose in the south of the city were due to end this Friday.

Leeds City Council chiefs said more than 4,000 people have responded and the local authority has now extended the deadline to Friday August 3 to give more people the chance to have a say.

A new rail station with park and ride facilities is proposed at Thorpe Park on the Leeds to York/Selby line, around two kilometres east of the existing Cross Gates station.

And a new station is planned next to the White Rose Office Park on the Leeds to Dewsbury section of the main TransPennine rail route in South Leeds.

The proposals have been put forward by the council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Both are working closely with the rail industry, Rail North, the Leeds transport advisory panel and other local stakeholders.

Leeds City Council said it will share initial plans for a proposed new rail station at Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway later this year.

Coun Richard Lewis, the council’s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: “We have decided to add an extra week to give even more people the chance to take part and tell us what they think to help shape how we proceed.

“Connecting Leeds is an ambitious strategy that we want everyone in the city to be part of, working together to make our city’s transport network as fast, efficient, reliable and green as we can.

“Investing in infrastructure, extending park and ride, new rail stations and making public transport more attractive are the keys to bringing that about. We want to deliver a city that is well connected, fully accessible and welcoming to all, so we look forward to hearing from as many people as possible on these plans.”

A drop-in session offering more information on the Thorpe Park plans is due to take place from 4pm to 7pm tomorrow (Tues July 24) at Atkins Office Reception, 3100 Century Way, Thorpe Park, Leeds. LS15 8ZB.

And a drop-in session on the White Rose plans will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday (July 25) at The Hub, Building 3, White Rose Office Park, Millshaw Park Lane, Leeds LS11 0DL.

An additional public drop-in session will be held at Cottingley Vale bus stop from 4pm to 7pm on on Tuesday July 31.

To comment, go to www.leeds.gov.uk/connectingleeds