Last chance to have your say on Leeds Bradford Airport
A consultation on improving access to Leeds Bradford Airport ends today.
A consultation on improving access to Leeds Bradford Airport ends today.
Due to the level of interest in the options around supporting the development of the airport, Leeds City Council extended the period for people to have their say by a month.
The council is seeking views on three options to improve access to the Yeadon site, which is one of the fastest growing in the UK used by 3.3million passengers a year.
It also contributes more than ÂŁ100m annually to the city region economy and was earmarked as a key element of the long-term transport vision for Leeds put forward by the council in October, with the need to develop its strategic connectivity seen as critical to its future success as the regional airport and as an economic hub.
This has been identified as a key need to support its future growth, as well as tackling existing congestion and traffic issues in the local road network.
Of the three proposed options for improving access, two would see the creation of a new link road from the A65 to the A658, while an alternative consists of upgrading existing junctions with some localised widening.
Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning Councillor Richard Lewis said:
“The response to the start of the consultation has been very encouraging which is why we have extended it to run for a further month and also arranged more drop-in sessions in January.
“Leeds Bradford Airport is a key part of our current and future city and regional economy, so it is essential we hear the views of as many people as possible before making decisions around improving access and tackling local congestion problems.”
Improving road access has been prioritised in the short to medium-term as a way of aiding the growth of the airport and the local and regional economy. In addition to better road access, Leeds City Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds Bradford Airport are examining the possibility of a rail link in the longer term.
The scheme to improve access to the airport is to be funded through the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund with Leeds City Council leading on its planning and delivery. It is hoped the chosen scheme will be completed during 2023.