Council: Controversial bid to scrap Elland car park and turn it into a play area that has sparked outcry from traders moves a step forward

Calderdale Council has submitted a planning application to scrap Coronation Street car park and turn the land into a public open space and play area.

The move is part of a regeneration project – funded by a £6m grant from the Government – aimed at revitalising the town centre and boost visitor numbers.

But it has sparked outcry from traders who fear it will jeopardise their businesses.

Among them is Charles Morris, owner of the popular and historic Rex Cinema, who has branded the plan “madness”.

He says if that car park goes, so might the cinema.

Petitions have been circulated at businesses around the town centre which have attracted more than 1,000 signatures asking the council to change its plans.

The planning statement which forms part of the council’s application says “there is a distinct lack of public open space within the town centre” and that, during a council consultation, members of the public “expressed a desire to see more trees and planting within the town centre”.

It also says: “The proposal will deliver public realm improvements and create green open space within the town centre, benefiting both residents and visitors.

"There is a large existing population who live in the town centre which is expected to grow. The provision of open space will therefore provide much needed green space for residents within the town centre.”

The planning statement acknowledges that Elland town centre businesses and their customers have raised concerns about the loss of the car

park and their fears that it would have a significant impact on their businesses because of a reduction in footfall and visitor numbers

But the council claims that plans to increase the number of people coming to Elland by public transport, on foot and by bike – including a new Elland train station – will “reduce demand for car parks”.

Anyone wanting to comment on the plans has until December 27 to share their views via the council’s website.