Airport’s £70m expansion plan stalled

LEEDS Bradford International Airport’s £70m expansion plans have been stalled by councillors who want to see improved public transport links to the airport.

The plans, which are predicted to create 3,000 jobs and will include a £28m terminal expansion programme were expected to be given the go-ahead by Leeds City Council’s planning committee last night, but councillors unanimously agreed to defer their decision until changes are made to the transport blueprint to accompany the expansion.

Members of the committee have told the airport, which is owned by private equity firm Bridgepoint, that they want to see “ambitious” public transport ideas which include more bus links and a possible tram-train link.

Business leaders have called for more investment in transport links to the airport amid warnings that Yorkshire’s business community favour taking flights from Manchester Airport because roads to Leeds Bradford are congested and there is no direct rail link.

The airport’s plans had included investment in public transport links including a £1m contribution towards bus services and highway measures.

The expansion of the terminal building would see a two-storey extension with a new departure lounge, shops and security area.

LBIA want to increase passenger numbers to 5.1m a year by 2016.

No one from the airport was available to comment on the decision.

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