Leeds Bradford Airport’s plans to build a bigger passenger terminal building have been recommended for approval.
The £150 million scheme would increase annual passenger numbers from four million to seven million and extend flight hours.
Leeds City Council will vote on the plans next week but the council’s chief planning officer has recommended approval.
If they are given the go ahead, the current building would be demolished and a new three-floor, 34,000 square metre glass building would be created on an alternative site.
Leeds Bradford Airport Limited estimates the development will support 12,650 permanent jobs across the Leeds City Region, as well as create 850 construction jobs while building work takes place.
The company claims the proposals would “deliver one of the UK’s most environmentally efficient airport buildings”. The current terminal building, which was built in 1968, would be demolished.
The scheme would also increase the times when flights can take place from the current period of 7am-11pm to 6am-11.30pm.
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The airport’s website says about the new terminal building:
“This will not only be more operationally efficient but will provide a gateway to Leeds and beyond and will greatly improve the passenger and employee experience and provide higher quality welcome for travellers to the city and the region.”
The proposal faces opposition from green groups, which claim it would contradict Leeds City Council’s climate emergency policy and increase CO2 emissions.
Leeds’ five MPs, who all represent the Labour Party, also object on environmental grounds.
There have also been almost 2,000 public objections, including more than from 100 people with a HG post code.
If approved next week, the redeveloped terminal building could open in 2024.
