Elm Walk Road Closure and Estate Road Access FAQs
From Thursday 23 July, changes to road access at Temple Newsam estate will be implemented. These include:
A 24-hour closure of the private road in the estate, Elm Tree Walk, to all motor vehicles
Daily nighttime closures (10pm to 6am) of the two access roads into the estate; Temple Newsam Road (at New Temple Gate) and Colton Road (at Elm Tree Walk).
Please see FAQs on the changes below to find out more.
Why are you closing these roads?
The Temple Newsam estate has experienced a significant increase in unauthorised encampments, anti-social driving, illegal vehicular anti-social behaviour meetings and other illegal activities, particularly during evening and nighttime hours. These issues both cost the council a significant amount of money and cause safety issues for local residents. These closures are being enforced to combat these.
What roads are being closed?
There will be a complete closure to vehicles of the private road within the estate, known locally as Elm Tree Walk and the overnight closure of two park access roads: Temple Newsam Road (at New Temple Gate) and Colton Road (at Whitkirk) daily from 22:00 to 06:00.
What time will roads be closed?
Elm Tree Walk will be closed to vehicles 24 hours a day. Temple Newsam Road (at New Temple Gate) and Colton Road (at Whitkirk) daily from 22:00 to 06:00.
Can I still walk and cycle on Elm Tree Walk after the closure?
Yes, Elm Tree Walk’s closure applies to motor vehicles. People will still be able to walk and cycle on Elm Tree Walk.
Which car parks can I access from the different entrances?
The North Entrance (via Whitkirk / Colton Road) provides access to the Lodge Car Park, Whitehead Wood Car Park (lay-by), Lakeside Car Park and Walled Garden Car Park (both Blue Badge only), and Farm Car Park. Each car park has Blue Badge parking and there is access to a Changing Places facility close to the accessible outdoor play. This route is best for access to Go Ape, the Walled Garden and the Lakes.
The West Entrance (via Temple Newsam Road) provides access to the Lawn Pond Car Park, the House Car Parks (1 and 2) and a Blue Badge drop off / limited Blue Badge parking at the Stable Courtyard.
If I arrive by a particular entrance and all of the car parks are full on that side will I be able drive along Elm Walk to the other car parks?
No, you will need to drive around via the highway B6159. However, there is the ability to overflow onto the fields on busy days.
Will I be able to access the Stable Courtyard blue badge parking from Whitkirk (North entrance)
No, but there is Blue Badge parking in every car park.
I have ordered an access scooter but can’t get to the House Car Park. What do I do?
The scooter can be brought to you at any of the car parks, please let us know at the time of booking by calling 07891270750.
Which car parks are closest to the House?
House car park 1 and 2 are closest and are reached by the West entrance on Temple Newsam Road (from the direction of Halton).
Which car parks are closest to the Home Farm and Play Barn?
The Farm car park is about 380m from the Farm entrance, this route is mainly level with one short uphill section and some cobbled surfaces. The House Car Parks are about 300m away, this route is sloped and a cobble-free alternative available.
Will the overnight closure affect my early morning access to the golf club?
No, the closure ends before the course is open.
Are these closures permanent?
These closures are currently enforced by an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) that is enforceable for a maximum of 18 months. If the ETRO is successful we hope to enforce it permanently, but we will make sure to communicate before any next steps.