Leeds Council recommends Leeds Bradford Airport for approval

Airport bosses have submitted a planning application to the council and are aiming to replace the existing terminal building with a new one by 2023, so they can increase passenger numbers from four million a year to seven million a year.

It states that the "dated" current terminal is "inefficient" and that LBA risks continuing to lose passengers to nearby Manchester Airport in an "unsustainable" way unless the improvements are approved.

The plans have been opposed by all five Leeds Labour MPs, as well groups such as the Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA).

West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and councillor Pat Latty (Guiseley and Rawdon) have voiced their support.

In total, 1953 objections have been submitted, with 1,281 in support.

In March 2019, Leeds City Council declared a climate emergency and gave a commitment to make Leeds ‘net zero’ for carbon emissions by 2030.

The airport planning application has been recommended for approval, according to a report uploaded to the council's planning website.

Councillors will make their final decision on Thursday, February 11.

If councillors do approve the plans, the airport will have to promise to provide various investments as part of their Section 106 agreement, including a £1.5m contribution to facilitate access to the new Parkway Rail Station, a shuttle bus between the new rail station and LBA and the introduction of additional public transport service to Leeds with a 24 hour service to Leeds city centre.