Leeds Bradford Airport expansion: How was it given the go-ahead?
Watch Katie Oscroft's report.
An ambitious upgrade of Leeds Bradford Airport has been given the go-ahead by Leeds City Council after years of controversy.
The plans, which were approved by the council's planning committee after more than eight hours of debate, are subject to possible tighter conditions over issues such as night flying.
Nine councillors voted in favour of the plans, while five voted against. But how were the plans approved and what do people think?
What is the application for?
Plans for a £150m overhaul of the region's largest airport were officially submitted to Leeds Council in May 2020.
The application seeks to demolish the existing passenger pier to accommodate a new terminal building and forecourt area.
The application also includes plans for the construction of supporting infrastructure, a goods yard and mechanical electrical plant.
New car parking, a ‘meet and greet’ building and separate parking inspection building are also mentioned, as well as a new bus terminal and taxi drop off facilities to the front of the new passenger terminal.
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) hope the new terminal building will help them deal with up to 7 million passengers a year by 2030.
What has the airport said about the plans?
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) say the plans will improve travel and the economy, supporting 12,650 permanent jobs across the Leeds City Region.
They argue that new terminal will be built to the highest environmental standards, while the increase in passenger numbers to seven million a year has already been approved as part of a separate application.
Chairman of the airport, Andy Clarke, said: "This is the most environmentally friendly terminal building in the country.
"It is going to have a net zero carbon emissions footprint and we think that's something Yorkshire, Leeds and Bradford can be very proud of."
Business leaders have also called the development essential for the region's recovery after the pandemic.
Chris Lakin, from Wakefield firm Oracle Vision Ltd, believes giving the go-ahead would be a much needed vote of confidence for the region's future.
He said: ''For me it's a sign to Yorkshire that the wheels are starting to turn again, it's something for us all to work towards. Yorkshire needs something to push it forward.''
What do opposers say about the plans?
Following the approval of the expansion, a member from Extinction Rebellion Leeds demonstrated on the steps of the civic hall, shouting "Leeds City Council you have blood on your hands!"
A spokesperson from the group said: "Leeds City Council declared a climate emergency in 2019.
"The choice to allow the expansion of the airport, and completely disregard their own commitments to reach carbon neutral by 2030 is a disgrace."
Objectors to the meeting including climate scientists, transport experts, residents’ groups, medical professionals and a lawyer, warned that such an expansion would help facilitate catastrophic climate change, as well as proliferate unbearable and harmful levels of noise pollution for those living close by.
In an open letter this week, scientists and some MPs said the plans must be stopped for the good of future generations, including Leeds North West MP Alex Sobel.
He said: "I have no in-principle objections to the building of a new terminal and support building new buildings with lower carbon footprints and better waste processes.
"However, I have deep concerns that the underlying business model to pay for the terminal equates to an expansion of passenger number and flights.
"In the context of the climate emergency, and if the coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we must put public health at the forefront of public decision making, ahead of any perceived economic benefit."
What about the council?
In a statement following the approval, Leeds City Council said: "The council recognises that the Leeds Bradford Airport planning application has been the subject of much public debate and, from the moment it was first submitted, full and proper attention has been paid to the evidence and arguments put forward by supporters and opponents alike.
"Current Government policy points to these emissions being something that should be primarily tackled at a national level – and addressed through international agreements and protocols – rather than by suppressing growth at individual airports in a way that could simply export passengers to other nearby airports at a higher financial cost to them and increase surface transport emissions.
“In addition, the airport’s plans showed that the proposed new terminal would replace the outdated and inefficient existing terminal and be built to a higher standard of environmental performance that would also provide an improved ‘gateway’ to Leeds, with an associated creation of new jobs.
“The application has been approved by the city plans panel today taking into consideration all of these issues, subject to a change and tightening up of certain conditions being discussed and agreed with the applicant, a section 106 agreement and referral to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
"The council is keen to continue working closely with local residents, businesses, community associations and the airport as the development begins to take shape.”
So what next?
Work on the building is expected to start this year, with the new airport building to open to passengers in 2023.
Longer flying hours were also approved as part of the plans. The airport's daytime period will now be extended by 90 minutes and the restrictive night-time slot will cover 11.30pm to 6am. The current restrictions apply from 11pm to 7am.
Reaction to the council's decision