OTLEY is to have a new maypole after full planning permission was granted by Leeds City Council.

The new maypole will replace one which was removed after it fell over last September. It was discovered that the pole was rotten at the bottom.

Otley Town Council submitted a planning application for a replacement maypole, made of galvanised steel. This has now been approved by Leeds City Council.

In a Design and Access Statement submitted with the application, the town council said: “The primary need for the proposed maypole is to replace the wooden maypole which fell over in September 2020 due to rotting of the pole below the ground (therefore not visible when inspected). A replacement in galvanised steel, painted white, has been selected to provide a long-lasting solution (at least 25 years) with less risk to the public, subject to regular inspection by a qualified structural engineer.

“Having a maypole and maypole dancing is a long-standing tradition in Otley, with at least four local maypole dancing groups and local schoolchildren using the pole as part of current May Day celebrations. Manchester Square was re-paved, and a new maypole installed in 2002, to create a safer surface for the maypole dancers.”

A report to Leeds City Council said: "Maypole dancing is a tradition on May Day. It is believed to have started in Roman Britain around 2,000 years ago, when soldiers celebrated the arrival of spring by dancing around decorated trees thanking their goddess Flora.Typically now in the present day, dancers weave ribbons around a pole rather than a tree."

It adds: "The application site consists of a public square ‘Manchester Square’ which is located within the heart of Otley at the junction of Walkergate and Boroughgate, outside but adjacent to the town centre boundary. The square is paved in York stone paving and stone sets site lies within the Otley Conservation Area. Topographically the site where the proposed maypole will be located is level. The site is surrounded by stone built properties, which consists of both commercial and residential uses. The square already features a separate taller pole which feature co-ordinates on its top. This pole does not function as a maypole.

It added: "The proposal is considered to enhance the character of Otley Conservation Area. The proposal will allow a long standing tradition to continue, which does encourage community, social cohesion and celebration. The proposal will act a focal point within Manchester Square to encourage and enhance a sense of identity and place. Having a maypole and maypole dancing is a long-standing tradition in Otley, with at least four local maypole dancing groups and local school children using the pole as part of current May Day celebrations."