Sainsbury's seeks to cut free parking time at Otley store

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 19:00 · Archive

Sainsbury's has applied to reduce free parking at its Otley store from four hours to three.

Sainsbury's has applied to Leeds City Council to reduce free parking time at its Otley store from four hours to three hours. The application seeks to change a planning condition for the Bondgate car park that was originally approved in 2007.

Planning consultants WSP, who submitted the application on behalf of Sainsbury's, say the current four-hour limit has led to regular parking shortages since the store opened in 2008, particularly on market days and during peak trading periods. The longer parking period has contributed to congestion, with cars circulating as drivers search for available spaces, raising concerns about pedestrian and highway safety.

The supermarket argues that a three-hour limit would improve space turnover while still giving visitors ample time to shop at both Sainsbury's and elsewhere in Otley town centre. The submission notes that nearby supermarkets have shorter limits: Waitrose allows 90 minutes and Asda permits three hours. The applicant says the proposal is based on more than a decade of experience at the site and would not affect the number of parking spaces or have additional environmental impact.

A previous application to cut the limit to two hours was withdrawn in 2015 after objections from Otley Town Council. Residents can view the current application and leave comments on Leeds City Council's planning portal under reference 26/05072/FU.

How it is being reported

• Supermarket seeks to cut free parking limit at town centre storeSainsbury’s has applied to cut free parking time for customers.Telegraph & Argus · 9 Oct, 18:13
• Supermarket seeks to cut free parking limit at town centre storeSainsbury’s has applied to cut free parking time for customers.Wharfedale Observer · 9 Oct, 18:09

In this story: Sainsbury's · Leeds City Council · Otley · Otley Town Council · WSP · Waitrose · Asda

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