‘Levelling Up’ commitment questioned after airport terminal plans axed
The Government’s commitment to “Levelling Up” has been questioned, following yesterday’s news that plans for a £150m new Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) terminal have been withdrawn.
Airport bosses blamed the decision on “excessive delays” and the decision to call in plans by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
They said they could not pledge a further uncapped sum of cash over an indefinite timeframe into a public inquiry when their focus needs to be on modernising the airport.
Mike Briffet, president of Leeds Chamber of Commerce, responded: “It’s disappointing but understandable that this decision has been taken.
“The increasing uncertainty around future investment could not continue indefinitely, and we fully sympathise with the airport’s dilemma.
“This was a significant opportunity, using private sector investment to upgrade and improve the region’s airport, and in the process deliver a new, world leading, net zero carbon terminal.
“We were promised an end to ‘dither and delay’ by this Government and yet the decision over LBA has been sitting on the desk of the Secretary of State for 12 months.
“Following the hugely disappointing Integrated Rail Plan it really brings into question just how serious this Government is about its ‘Levelling Up’ agenda.”
However, opponents of the new terminal have welcomed yesterday’s news. The proposals for the building had proved highly controversial, with campaigners warning they would result in more aircraft emissions and would damage the environment.
Chris Foren, chair of Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA), said: “This is a victory for our climate and our communities – we are delighted that LBA has acknowledged defeat.
“It means LBA cannot extend daytime flying hours nor remove night time flying controls. As they said in their own planning application, this means they don’t have the capacity to increase passenger numbers above five million a year.
“We will keep a close eye on what the airport’s Australian owners do next. We will act again if they try to break any rules. We remain ready to continue the fight to protect our climate and communities.”
