PROPOSALS for a link road to Leeds Bradford Airport have been attacked as "myopic and mediocre" by a transport lobby group.

Leeds City Council last week unveiled three potential schemes to improve access to the airport, including two for new link roads.

But the plans, which will go out to consultation, have been roundly condemned by the Campaign for Better Transport, West and North Yorkshire Rail Group.

Campaigners say councillors and planners "demonstrate a lack of vision and are time-warped in yesteryear in making their proposals to build more roads around Leeds-Bradford Airport".

They added: "The announcement of three options is short-term austerity thinking that belongs in the dustbin.

"Leeds Bradford Airport should have a rail link built once airport passenger numbers warrant, and in the meantime requires a shuttle bus connection from a nearby rail station like Guiseley."

The group argues new or improved roads would only generate more traffic and exacerbate existing congestion around LBIA.

They say: "Proceeding with any road construction would just delay and lessen the case for a rail link, which is what is needed in the longer-term."

Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough MP Stuart Andrew is also criticising the proposals, suggesting they lack ambition, would make congestion worse and would inhibit the potential for economic growth.

He said: "I have been arguing for a rail link since I became a Member of Parliament, as one of the biggest issues that I am contacted about is congestion in the area... so I am disappointed that these plans appear to have been ignored.

"It is incredible our regional airport, which has such ambitious plans for growth, is not being met with a rail connection. As well as the economic benefits a rail link would bring, it would prevent further erosion of the precious Green Belt in the area. I will continue to argue for a rail link, and hope the Council will listen to the benefits it would bring."

But Cllr Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive board member for regeneration, transport and planning said: "Mr Andrew’s preferred option appears to do nothing on road links whilst pushing for rail links. Given the delays on railway infrastructure from central government, that could be a long time away.

"Whatever we may hope about the demand for railway links, some people will inevitably still prefer to travel to the airport by car. By doing nothing on road links – not even the third limited option that will be consulted on later in the year – residents in nearby areas will have to suffer more traffic, noise and pollution along what are older, residential roads.

"Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin came to Leeds last week to announce that Transpennine electrification would happen, but would be finished three years later than previously thought. He was less optimistic about electrification of the rail line between Leeds, Harrogate and York and other smaller electrification projects, saying he would 'try and address some of that'. So instead of putting out press releases stating his opinion over again, perhaps Mr Andrew can have a word in Mr McLoughlin’s ear about the funding we need in Leeds for railway improvements?"

The council's proposals are to:

l build a new road from the A65, which would run along the eastern edge of the airport before joining the A658, to the north

l create a new road that would follow the same initial path, from the A65 running between Rawdon and Horsforth, but then run to the south west of the airport before joining the A658

l upgrading the existing A65 and A658, around Rawdon and Yeadon, to the airport, which would involved junctions being upgraded and some road widening.

l See letters on page 12 and 13 for more comment on this story