PLANS for a triple-decker car park at Silsden & Steeton Railway Station have again been pushed back.

But public transport bosses have issued a detailed timescale for the project and voiced optimism they will win an increased budget for the recently-expanded structure.

A business case seeking extra cash will be submitted in August – a month later than the previous date – with approval expected in October this year.

The update was revealed this week by Keighley MP John Grogan after he pressed West Yorkshire Combined Authority for information.

He said: “It is good that details of the project are taking shape and temporary parking during the construction period is being actively considered. It is essential that there are no further delays.”

In a briefing to Mr Grogan, the Combined Authority said delays were unavoidable due to an expansion to the originally-planned scheme.

The authority said: “The original design of +1 deck generating an extra 60 spaces was temporarily put on hold whilst the feasibility of a second deck was investigated.

“As confirmed in January 2019, a second deck can be constructed and will create 100 additional spaces in total.

“The multi-storey car park will include lifts, CCTV, LED lighting and 5% of the overall carpark will be allocated to Blue Badge.”

“We anticipated submitting the Business Case for approval in April 2019, however as a result of the enhanced scheme, the costs have increased above the original approved cost forecast.

“We now need to secure further approvals for this larger scheme.”

“An updated Full Business Case, setting out how the scheme delivers high value and meets the funds objectives of supporting economic growth from which everyone can benefit, will be submitted in early August, seeking final approvals from the Combined Authority in October 2019.”

The Combined Authority said that, while waiting for funding approval, it would begin to programme construction work with Arriva Rail North.

The spokesman added: “We will also continue to work on the temporary parking and decant strategy which will be implemented whilst the construction is being carried out. This scheme is affordable within the overall programme.”

Silsden and Bradford councillor Adrian Naylor said construction work would take about 16 months.

He said: “Work will start on site towards the end of this year or early next year, depending how quickly things happen after the decision is made.

“There will be a good six months when the designers can tell us where displaced cars can park during construction work.”

Cllr David Mullen, chairman of Steeton-with-Eastburn Parish Council, was sceptical that the latest timescale would be followed.

He said: “I’ll believe it when I see a planning application. A structure that big they will have to seek planning approval.

“I do see the sense in building two extra decks when there’s so much extra housing going up in the area.”