Masterplan moves forward at Leeds Bradford Airport
EXPANSION plans at Leeds Bradford Airport will be discussed by Leeds City Council next week as it prepares for the forecasted increase in annual passenger numbers from 3.3m to 7.1m by 2030.
The airport masterplan proposes an air innovation park, airport village and air freight park on 36.2 hectares which are outside of the current airport boundaries.
The air innovation park, which is the largest part of the masterplan, would have a focus on attracting research and development companies and other business, with high spec facilities and links to the universities.
Leeds Bradford Airport has an option to purchase the land, agreed in 2007, which is currently owned by Leeds and Bradford councils.
In a report to Leeds City Council’s executive board, director of city development Martin Farrington wrote: “The Site Allocations Plan will allocate employment land across the city over the next plan period up until 2028. It is proposed to release employment land surrounding the airport as part of this process. This will strengthen the Airport’s role as an economic hub, increase transport demand, enhancing the business case for surface access proposals, help meet needs for new employment sites in North West Leeds, and enhance the ability of Leeds to attract inward investment.”
His report recommends the council continues to work with the airport to move the masterplan forward to the consultation stage and also continues to develop plans to improve access to the airport, especially in developing the airport link road.
