Taxi company move to community centre approved

Menston based Rideaway Taxis had been looking to move from their existing base at the Fairfax Club - which is due to be demolished as part of the re-development of the site.

The company, based in the village for 26 years, had submitted planning applications to change the use of two possible sites to new office space from which the company could be run.

Both are at Kirklands Community Centre on Main Street, Menston.

One application was for an 8.5 square metre room next to a toilet at the site's Bowling Club, which the other was for a space next to the entrance to a nursery run on the site.

Both of the proposed applications would be to change the use of space so if could be used as a control office.

The company said they were not public taxi booking offices, and vehicles would be given jobs remotely - meaning few would ever need to drive to the office.

The company would use a phone app system to book jobs.

The bowling club space is currently used to house lockers for member's belongings and to store stacked plastic chairs.

Several club members objected, saying it was unfair the "vital and integral part of the bowling club" was being sacrificed for a taxi office.

There were also objections to the planned use of space near the nursery site, with neighbouring residents saying a taxi office would cause noise through the night.

But there were also numerous letters of support written to the Council, with some people saying the company was a "lifeline" to many in the village, especially Menston's elderly residents.

At a meeting of Bradford Council's Keighley Area Planning Panel on Wednesday, members were told the community centre had 63 parking spaces, and so even if taxis did need to visit the office, there would be ample space to park.

Members approved both applications - meaning trustees of the Kirklands Centre will now choose which of the two spaces the company can move into.