Noise warning for residents as Leeds Bradford Airport plans airspace changes

Airport bosses have launched a public consultation on plans to revise the airspace that is used by planes arriving and departing from Leeds Bradford.

The airport says the changes would lead to an overall reduction in “noise impact” for local communities – but there would be some losers as well as winners.

Around 200 residents on six roads would find themselves living within Leeds Bradford’s amended 57-decibel daytime noise contour and exposed to sound levels which an airport report says have historically represented the onset of “significant community annoyance”.

The affected roads would be Lambert Terrace, Springfield Close and King George Road, all in Horsforth, West Chevin Road and Moor Top, both near Otley, and Banksfield Close near Yeadon.

The airport also says the changes would result in departures flying closer to, or over, some new areas, with Burley in Wharfedale and Baildon picked out as examples.

Al Siddoway, head of air traffic control at Leeds Bradford, told the Yorkshire Evening Post that people should not be worried about the proposed new arrangements.

He said the aim was to “improve things” for the communities around the Yeadon airport and stressed that he wanted to “fully engage” with residents.

The plans are part of a nationwide push towards the use of more accurate satellite-based navigation and would let departing aircraft climb earlier while revised arrival routes would allow planes to fly fewer miles.

Across the board, said Mr Siddoway, the changes would provide benefits including “reduced noise impact on local communities, reduced CO2 emissions and fuel savings”.

He added: “Delivering more accurate aircraft routes would meet the requirements of both national and regional policies, and directly contribute towards the airport’s objectives within its recently published Masterplan, Route to 2030.

“Considerable time and effort has been invested in developing these procedures to reduce impact on local communities.

“We would encourage interested parties to participate in this consultation process.”

Comments on the plans can be submitted until November 5.

The airport will then send its proposals for consideration by the Civil Aviation Authority.

If they get the green light, the new airspace arrangements are expected to be in place by this time next year.

Around 5,100 people live within the current boundaries of the Leeds Bradford 57-decibel area.

The number of people with homes in the airport’s 54-decibel area would rise by about 400 under the plans.

Drop-in events will take place as part of the consultation process from 3pm to 8pm next Tuesday, September 26, at Yarnbury RFC on Brownberrie Lane in Horsforth and between the same times the following day at Highroyds Sports & Social Club on Guiseley Drive in Menston.