'It's absolutely critical': £65m Leeds Bradford Airport station plan takes step forward

A proposed parkway station for Leeds Bradford Airport is “absolutely critical” for the region – a meeting has been told.

Councillors from across West Yorkshire voted to move ahead with plans for a rail station that would serve the airport, with the Leader of Bradford Council saying he was “delighted” to support the scheme.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority were given an update on the plans at a meeting on Thursday, where West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said she was “determined” to make sure the station was finally approved.

But members heard it could still take two years just for a full business case for the station to be approved.

Plans for a rail station to serve the airport were first mooted over a decade ago, and an outline business case approved in 2020.

But there has been little progress since.

A report to members said a parkway station could be built on the Harrogate line, between Horsforth Station and Bramhope Tunnel.

Passengers would then travel to the airport by a shuttle bus.

It is estimated the station would cost around £65m.

The report said the lack of a nearby rail station is a “drag” on the growth of the airport, and a new facility would dramatically increase the numbers of passengers able to arrive to LBA by public transport.

It would also help develop a Northwest Leeds Employment Hub, a 36-hectare strategic employment site adjacent to LBA, and allow the development of more homes in the area.

Introducing the report, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “This station has long been an ambition for our region. I know some have been frustrated by the pace of progress, but this development will be a game changer.

“I am determined to make sure that this project finally gets approved.”

She announced that next week she would be speaking at an event with bosses of Leeds Bradford Airport, where they will “set out the vision to get this delivered.”

Members were asked to “endorse continued development of the LBA Parkway project including:

• Completion of a Full Business Case.
• Completion of necessary Ground Investigation work at the site.
• Identification of a workable timetable for LBA Parkway, including definition of any network enhancements required, and
• Identification of a funding strategy for the station.”

Leeds Councillor Salma Arif (Labour), said: “I really welcome this, and what it will mean for jobs in the area.”

Bradford Council Leader Stephen Place said: “I’m delighted to be supporting this. Leeds Bradford Airport is a vital hub for the region.

“I do believe a shuttle bus from Apperley Bridge Station would alleviate a lot of transport issues for passengers in the area.”

Leeds Councillor Alan Lamb (Cons) said: “This is absolutely critical for Leeds and the wider region. It is a tricky project to deliver because of the topography.”

He said it would also unlock jobs and housing land, saying it would have a “huge impact” beyond just transport to and from the airport.

He asked officers if they could give any timing for the works, adding: “Can you tell us when people will be able to start getting trains?”

Simon Pope, Transport Capital Programme Director, said: “It will be at least two years to get to the point where we have a full business case.”

He said this will involve investigations into what level of rail service the new station will be able to provide.

Members voted to push ahead with the plans.

The West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has also thrown its weight behind the plans.

Mark Casci, Head of Policy and Representation at the Chamber, said: “The Chamber is massively supportive of any efforts to build a Parkway Station for Leeds Bradford Airport.

“We would wish to see a positive and speedy decision made regarding its approval.

“The leadership team at Leeds Bradford Airport is very ambitious and its recent refurbishment is delivering a much better passenger experience, but the key next step is connectivity and new routes, something the station will enable.”