LONG-AWAITED plans to increase car-parking space at Silsden-Steeton railway station have been submitted to rail chiefs.

The expansion – which would reduce the need for drivers to park on surrounding streets – could include a new deck on top of the existing tarmac car park.

Keighley MP John Grogan this week revealed that West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) was looking at a second parking level as the most likely option.

He said: “This, and a number of other engineering options for the extension, have been submitted to Network Rail, who own the land.

“Network Rail are hoping to provide provisional approval to WYCA, who are responsible for funding and organising the project, by the end of December.

“Following this, WYCA will be holding a January public consultation before hopefully giving the go-ahead to franchise holder Northern Rail to deliver the project.

“Steeton and Silsden Station has one of the most heavily used car parks in West Yorkshire, attracting 600,000 vehicles per year.

“I am hoping that this proposed expansion of the car park will mean less pressure on parking in surrounding streets in Steeton.”

Mr Grogan revealed the latest on the car park project in advance of his second ‘masterplan’ meeting to discuss highways issues in Steeton and Silsden.

He has invited parish and district councillors representing Silsden, Eastburn and Steeton, along with officers from Bradford Council and WYCA, to the gathering on November 30.

Mr Grogan held an initial meeting in June discuss a masterplan for Steeton, Eastburn and Silsden.

He wanted to generate solutions to challenges thrown up by increasing housing development across the Aire Valley in Craven Ward.

Among items for discussion this month will be pressure on the Silsden-Steeton railway station from commuters travelling from North Yorkshire to take advantage of lower train fares within West Yorkshire.

Representatives will also look at the impact on local traffic levels of the level-crossing at Kildwick, and hear the latest on the feasibility study for the proposed footbridge over the Aire Valley Road.

They will discuss the proposed footpath connecting Airedale Hospital and Steeton Railway Station, which has been delayed due to problems gaining public access to the entire route.

Other issues include the proposed designation of land on Chapel Road, Steeton, for parking; parking at Steeton Primary School; and parking problems in residential streets around Airedale Hospital.