Why Leeds Bradford Airport expansion ‘consultation’ is undemocratic – Yorkshire Post Letters

From: William Hunt, Tinshill, Leeds.
Leeds Bradford Airport has drawn up expansion plans which are dividing public and political opinion.Leeds Bradford Airport has drawn up expansion plans which are dividing public and political opinion.
Leeds Bradford Airport has drawn up expansion plans which are dividing public and political opinion.

I AM writing to express opposition to the proposal to increase flights to and from Leeds Bradford Airport.

I believe the proposals are contrary to measures intended to decrease air pollution and reduce carbon emissions. An expansion of flying would increase greenhouse gas emissions and lead to more pollution at a 
time when many authorities 
have declared a climate emergency.

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Furthermore, the absence of a rail connection to the airport means access will be only by road, with all that is implied for congestion due to increased traffic using the airport. Extended flying times will cause more noise and disturbance to local people and those living close to the flightpaths.

Should Leeds Bradford Airport be given the green light to expand?Should Leeds Bradford Airport be given the green light to expand?
Should Leeds Bradford Airport be given the green light to expand?

One must also question the necessity for the scheme in the light of the Covid-19 crisis, with predictions there will be a decline in air travel for several years following the pandemic.

Leeds City Council declares concern for the state of the world’s climate yet it is 
allowing just 21 days for responses to 200 detailed technical documents, a very unreasonable restriction.

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

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Almost certainly you are here because you value the quality and the integrity of the journalism produced by The Yorkshire Post’s journalists - almost all of which live alongside you in Yorkshire, spending the wages they earn with Yorkshire businesses - who last year took this title to the industry watchdog’s Most Trusted Newspaper in Britain accolade.

Extinction Rebellion protesters outside Leeds Civic Hall to express opposition to airport expansion plans.Extinction Rebellion protesters outside Leeds Civic Hall to express opposition to airport expansion plans.
Extinction Rebellion protesters outside Leeds Civic Hall to express opposition to airport expansion plans.

And that is why I must make an urgent request of you: as advertising revenue declines, your support becomes evermore crucial to the maintenance of the journalistic standards expected of The Yorkshire Post. If you can, safely, please buy a paper or take up a subscription. We want to continue to make you proud of Yorkshire’s National Newspaper but we are going to need your help.

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Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson

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