OBJECTIONS to compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) for a major junction improvement project in Greengates have been withdrawn.

The news means a planned public inquiry into the CPOs this week was cancelled and the way is now clear for work on the £8.7 million Harrogate Road/New Line scheme to start in a year’s time.

The CPOs are needed to allow for widening of the roads leading to the junction to create more carriageway space and filter lanes.

The orders still need to be approved by the Secretary of State for Transport but with Chris Grayling speaking favourably of the scheme on his visit to the district in September, that is expected to be straightforward.

Among the parcels of land to be bought for the project are:

  • part of the car park and raised frontage kerb of the Sunnyside Day Nursery and Play Centre, Brunswick Works
  • part of the New Line Retail Park units and of integral lift, at No 70 and No 70A New Line
  • part of the external curtilage and car park of Farmfoods Limited, at No 921 Harrogate Road
  • vacant scrubland on the site of former The Roebuck pub
  • the shop and premises of No 911 and shop, flat and premises of No’s 913-915 and No 915A Harrogate Road
  • gardens and pedestrian access paths of No 142-150a New Line
  • part private access way and car park of Pippo’s Italiano Restaurant
  • part of the car park running along the frontage of the Asda Supermarket, Excel Chemists and Nat West Bank on New Line.

Once the CPOs have been approved, the Council can move on with securing demolition orders for 911 and 913-915 Harrogate Road to create a new entrance for the Farm Food store.

Outlining the scope of the work, a report to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority stated that: “The project will rebuild the Harrogate Road/New Line junction to create a new junction to reduce congestion, increase safety provision for cyclists and pedestrians and support delivery of significant new housing developments, together with longer term development opportunities.

“The crossroads are a significant congestion pinch point with delays on all four legs having a detrimental impact on journey times between Bradford and the airport, and also between Shipley/Airedale and Leeds.

“It will also improve safety... for pedestrians and cyclists.”