Pro Leeds Bradford Airport campaigners welcome Leeds Council report backing expansion

Campaigners in favour of a planned £150m terminal building at Leeds Braford Airport have welcomed a Leeds City Council report backing the proposal.
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A spokesman for the Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) Support Group said they were "really pleased" after the council's chief planning officer recommended councillors approve the plans when a final decision is made next week.

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An artist's impression of the proposed new terminal.An artist's impression of the proposed new terminal.
An artist's impression of the proposed new terminal.
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It states that the "dated" current terminal is "inefficient" and that LBA risks continuing to lose passengers to nearby Manchester Airport in an "unsustainable" way unless the improvements are approved.

But environmental campaigners and climate academics had warned flights in and out of Leeds needed to dramatically reduce in order to help humanity have a fighting chance of averting climate catastrophe in the coming years.

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A spokesman for the LBA support group said: "We're really pleased Leeds City Council Planning Officers are recommending approval for the airport's new replacement terminal building. The current terminal is totally inadequate and cannot meet today's standards.

"The plans submitted offer a sustainable replacement terminal building that isn't any larger than what has already been approved. The new terminal building will be environmentally sound from a building perspective."

If councillors do approve the plans, the airport will have to promise to provide various investments as part of their Section 106 agreement, including a £1.5m contribution to facilitate access to the new Parkway Rail Station, a shuttle bus between the new rail station and LBA and the introduction of additional public transport service to Leeds with a 24 hour service to Leeds city centre.

The spokesman continued :"We also agree with Section 106 recommendations for the implementation of improved public transport to the airport. The airport plans incorporate a new bus terminus and access to the rail parkway, both will offer extensive public transport access.

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"If changes are needed to meet new climate targets, these should be implemented by national government not by local councils to ensure a level playing field with airports in neighbouring regions.

"At a time when our region needs investment the most, it is vital for job creation and to ensure those furloughed have a job to go back to. We really hope the planning panel sees sense and pass the plans to protect Leeds jobs".

Councillors will make their final decision on Thursday, February 11.