The three stations

Thorpe Park

A new parkway station between Leeds and Micklefield has been an aspiration of the local authorities for around 15 years. While the possible site at Thorpe Park (to the west of Garforth) was favoured at one time, recent focus has been on the site of the former Peckfield colliery (close to Junction 47 of the M1 to the west of Micklefield).

However, Thorpe Park, close to massive business and leisure developments on both sides of the railway, the East Leeds Extension housing scheme, M1 Junction 46, and the proposed East Leeds Orbital Link Road, is again now the favoured location.

If the station includes a bay platform turnback facility it will help relieve pressure on the platforms at Leeds station, although extra track capacity may be needed eastwards from Leeds station.

White Rose

This facility would be situated on a curve, a short distance south of Cottingley station, adjacent to the out-of-town shopping centre and business park on the Leeds- Huddersfield-Manchester line. However, this plan is controversial as it will reduce capacity on the main trans-Pennine route.

Airport Parkway

While much local debate continues as to the merit of a rail link directly to the Leeds Bradford Airport terminal building, the present proposal is for a park-and-ride station on the Leeds-Harrogate line between Horsforth station and the southern portal of Bramhope tunnel, with a bus link to the terminal. The station will also offer a park-and-ride facility for a wide area.