Sixty per cent of people against Leeds Bradford Airport terminal plan according to public comments
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In total, 60 per cent (1,208 people) of people have objected, while 40 per cent (649 people) are in support, as of September 3, the Group for Action of Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) said.
LBA, who said their new terminal would be one of the most sustainable in the UK, pointed out that their application had received support from across Yorkshire, including Bradford, Harrogate, Wakefield and Kirklees.Airport bosses have submitted a planning application to the council and are aiming to replace the existing terminal building with a new one by 2023, so they can increase passenger numbers from four million a year to seven million a year.The application 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.
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Hide AdIn March 2019, Leeds City Council declared a climate emergency and gave a commitment to make Leeds ‘net zero’ for carbon emissions by 2030.
Members of the public have until Wednesday, September 30 to comment on the application, according to the council's planning portal.
Chris Foren, GALBA chairman, said:“These figures send a clear message to the Council’s decision makers - Leeds people want you to reject LBA’s planning application.
"It would be totally wrong to allow the airport to double its greenhouse gas emissions in the middle of the climate emergency.
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Hide Ad"In fact, expansion would mean that from 2030, the airport would pump out more greenhouse gas emissions than are allowed in the carbon budget for the whole of the rest of Leeds.
"And there’s no prospect of carbon free aircraft for decades.”
Chris added: “We’re delighted so many people support GALBA’s campaign.
"The airport’s Australian owners have millions to spend on marketing and lobbying.
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Hide Ad"We’re just local people who care deeply about our environment and people’s health.
"It’s a David v Goliath struggle for sure. But you know who won that - David.”
A spokesperson for LBA, said: “We always welcome feedback on the proposed development and understand the concerns that have been expressed.
"We thank those residents and organisations who have shared supportive comments for the scheme on the council planning portal.
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Hide Ad"We are confident that these endorsements reflect the catchment area we serve, especially in the Leeds City Region, which includes Bradford, Harrogate, Wakefield and Kirklees.
“The replacement terminal has been designed to be one of the most sustainable airport buildings in the UK and we have been very clear in our proposals.
"We will reduce the risk of increased emissions and meet demand for 7 million passengers in a sustainable way. The entire aviation sector has committed to addressing these issues.”
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