“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:
“We’re looking forward to growing demand for public transport alongside Leeds Bradford Airport and continuing our investment in increased services and low-emission buses.”
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New terminal building at Leeds Bradford Airport set for approval
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£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”.
“It’s so utterly shortsighted. We are playing Russian roulette with our future. I’m absolutely shocked and dismayed. It’s such a setback.”
His view was shared by local environmental campaigner Brian McHugh who added:
“I would say that this is yet another example of the UK not living up to its climate emergency pledges. Why we are still investing in industries that raise emissions further is absurd.
“We have already seen the protracted case for Heathrow expansion and yet again it seems that potential economic benefits outweigh real enviromental damage.”
