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12
Feb 2021
Harrogate district's mixed reaction to Leeds Bradford Airport expansion
"Very good news" was the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce reaction after Leeds Bradford Airport was granted planning permission to build a new £150m terminal.
But the decision was unpopular with Zero-Carbon Harrogate who called it a "massive setback" for local climate targets.
The airport, which is 12 miles from Harrogate town centre, was yesterday given the green light by Leeds City Council to build the new terminal, which would replace the current terminal that was built in 1968.
Sandra Doherty, chief executive of chamber, said the expansion will improve Harrogate’s standing as an international conference and exhibition destination.
She also called for a new £42 million rail station on the Harrogate line that would connect with Leeds Bradford Airport with the town.
'Fantastic news for our region'
The airport said the new terminal will help increase annual passenger numbers from four million to seven million.
Transdev Blazefield's Flyer buses connect the airport with Harrogate as well as Bradford and Leeds and soon to be Otley.
The company's CEO Alex Hornby called the decision "fantastic news for our region."
He added:
Read more:
New terminal building at Leeds Bradford Airport set for approval
£42 million Leeds Bradford Airport interchange proposed for Harrogate line
'Such a setback'
24 people spoke yesterday against the plans including academics, environmentalists and charity bosses. Most cited the impact the extra flights will have on climate change and carbon emissions.
Rod Beardshall, transport lead at Zero Carbon Harrogate, said the decision "beggars belief".
His view was shared by local environmental campaigner Brian McHugh who added:
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