Further drop-in sessions announced as consultation on improving access to Leeds Bradford Airport extended

A series of additional drop-in sessions will be held early in the new year as part of the initial public consultation on improving road access to Leeds Bradford Airport.

Due to the level of interest in the options around supporting the development of the airport, Leeds City Council has also confirmed the consultation will be extended by a month, now ending on Friday 26 February 2016.

Over 1,000 people have already taken part in the initial consultation by attending one of the first four drop-in sessions or filling in the survey form at www.leeds.gov.uk/AirportLinkRoad.

The following additional drop-in sessions have now been confirmed:

• Wednesday 13 January, Yeadon Library & One Stop Centre, 3-6:30pm
• Thursday 14 January, Pool Village Hall, 1:30-4:30pm
• Friday 15 January, The Grove Methodist Church, Horsforth, 3-7pm
• Monday 18 January, Leonardo Building, 11am-2pm
• Wednesday 20 January, Bramhope Methodist Church, 2-5pm

The council is seeking views on three options to improve access to the airport, which is one of the fastest growing in the UK used by 3.3million passengers a year. It also contributes more than £100m annually to the city region economy and was earmarked as a key element of the long-term transport vision for Leeds put forward by the council in October, with the need to develop its strategic connectivity seen as critical to its future success as the regional airport and as an economic hub.

This has been identified as a key need to support its future growth, as well as tackling existing congestion and traffic issues in the local road network.

Of the three proposed options for improving access, two would see the creation of a new link road from the A65 to the A658, while an alternative consists of upgrading existing junctions with some localised widening.

Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning Councillor Richard Lewis said:

“The response to the start of the consultation has been very encouraging which is why we have extended it to run for a further month and also arranged more drop-in sessions in January.

“Leeds Bradford Airport is a key part of our current and future city and regional economy, so it is essential we hear the views of as many people as possible before making decisions around improving access and tackling local congestion problems.”

Improving road access has been prioritised in the short to medium-term as a way of aiding the growth of the airport and the local and regional economy. In addition to better road access, Leeds City Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds Bradford Airport are examining the possibility of a rail link in the longer term.

Details of the three proposed options for initial consideration, a map and supporting information can be seen at www.leeds.gov.uk/AirportLinkRoad, with a survey questionnaire able to be filled in.

Leaflets and copies of the questionnaire will also be available at local libraries and the Leeds Development Enquiry Centre in the Leonardo Building on Rossington Street.

The scheme to improve access to the airport is to be funded through the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund with Leeds City Council leading on its planning and delivery. It is hoped the chosen scheme will be completed during 2023.

For information and to take part in the consultation visit www.leeds.gov.uk/AirportLinkRoad or to be kept updated on developments email AirportLinkRoad@leeds.gov.uk

Notes to editors:

Between 2008 and 2013 passenger numbers rose at Leeds Bradford Airport rose by 16 per cent, and the Department for Transport forecasts its usage could rise to 7.1m passengers a year by 2030 and over nine million by 2050. The airport currently supports 2,600 jobs and potential has been identified to expand the airport’s route network with new international connections opening up new tourism and trade markets as well as creating new employment.

As part of the plans to improve transport links, the aim is to increase passengers travelling to the airport on public transport to 20 per cent of all trips by 2024 and 25 per cent by 2030.

ENDS

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