Hall visit charges to decrease if council backs fees u-turn

New charges that would force some families to pay more to visit the popular attraction had won the backing of senior councillors in July - but now following public talks council chiefs are recommending the prices are reduced.

Opponents had been calling for a rethink of improvement plans for Lotherton Hall and its surrounding estate – which was donated to the people of Leeds. While accepting visitors should pay for car parking and to visit the house they were annoyed that they would have to pay a blanket charge.

Coun Matthew Robinson (Cons, Harewood) welcomed the planned improvements but was among those who asked the council to re-consider the idea of a blanket charge giving access to everything in the estate.

Parking charges at the country estate are currently £3.70 and access to the bird garden and grounds are free. Entry to the hall is £3.30 for adults, £1.20 for children and a family ticket is £6.50.

Under the new arrangements, agreed in July and due to be introduced in October, adults were to pay £6, children £2.50 and a family ticket was to be £15. The charges cover parking and access to all of Lotherton’s facilities including entry into the hall. Season tickets and other reductions would also be available.

However, following a public consultation it is now proposed that the prices are again changed, with some prices falling and giving visitors some chance to just park up and enjoy the grounds without having to pay a blanket charge for all the attractions which they may not wish to visit.

A report to be considered by members of Leeds Council’s executive board on Wednesday says: “As a result of the comments received during consultation, changes have been proposed in relation to the prices for entry in to Lotherton Estate and Hall as detailed in this report.”