
What is a Parish Council?
A parish council is a local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the parish and has an overall responsibility for the well-being of its local community. It is
the level of government closest to the community, with the district authority above it in the hierarchy. As it is the authority closest to the people, parish councils are invariably
the first place people will go to with concerns or ideas. For this reason, they are a vital part of any community.
Its work falls into three main categories:
- representing the local community
- delivering services to meet local needs
- striving to improve quality of life in the parish
In 2006, a group of Burley residents worked hard to form a first tier of local government to have an overall responsibility for the well-being of the Burley in Wharfedale community. The result was the formation of Burley Parish Council. The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council is the primary authority and responsible for matters such as waste collection, maintenance of the roads and pavements, providing street lighting and many other services which your council tax pays for. Our work falls into three main categories:
- Representing the Burley in Wharfedale community
- Delivering services to meet local needs
- Striving to improve the quality of life in the village
The Council is made up of 9 elected volunteer councillors representing the Burley in Wharfedale Ward. They are responsible to the residents they represent and can be contacted directly on any matter. They receive no allowance but have a passion to be involved in the community. Councillors have three main areas of work:
- Decision-making through attending meetings and committees
- Monitoring, making sure that their decisions lead to efficient and effective services
- Getting involved with the local community
The Council is currently responsible for the management and maintenance of the parks and open spaces including the playground at Grange Park, the Queens Hall, Burley Library, the Roundhouse, grass verge cutting and allotments.
The Council’s work is split into three main Committees; Environment, Maintenance and Allotments Committee, Planning Committee and Finance Committee with additional meetings to manage staffing.
Unsure of which Council can help you? You can search the services area of the website to find a list of responsibilities and activities covered by the Parish Council, and those covered by City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
The Parish Clerk, Clare Smith, is the Proper Officer and Responsible Financial Officer for the Parish Council. She is supported by 5 members of staff.
Central Services
- Councillors
- Meetings & Committees
- Finance & Audit
- Procurement
- Central Governance
- Personnel, jobs and recruitment
- Council communications and website
Grounds & Environmental Services
- Grange Park
- Play Area & Outdoor Gym Equipment
- Vicotria Park
- Village Green
- Recreation Ground
- Burley House Field
- Grass Verges
- Allotments (Prospect Road, Aireville Terrace & Oak Avenue)
Facilities
- Queens Hall
- Library
- Roundhouse
- Hire of venues and facilities

What we do...
Here is a list of some of the really important functions that the Parish Council carries out in our community:
- Manage and maintain the Queens Hall with over 30 events booked every week. Contact us to make a booking enquiry!
- Manage and own the Library with over 2000 customers using our services each month.
- Maintain the Village Green, Grange Park, Recreation Ground, Victoria Park and other green spaces. This includes the management and maintenance of the water feature and playground in the village.
- Maintain the public toilet at the Queens Hall.
- Offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme to over 60 young people from across Wharfedale.
- We are the leading organisation in the village to establish a safe walking and cycle route (Wharfedale Greenway) from Otley to Burley.
- Maintain the Round House (now recently refurbished) which is available for occasional hire. Contact us if you would like to hire the Roundhouse for your pop-up or event
- Represent local views to Bradford Council with regards to requests for planning permission.
- We offer grants of up to £500 for local initiatives.