THE YORKSHIRE Wildlife Trust is objecting to controversial plans for a new terminal building at Leeds Bradford Airport.

The objection from the trust follows a recent recommendation by environment watchdog Natural England that the application should not be approved. The two organisations are calling for more information about the noise and air pollution effects of increased air travel - primarily on the North and South Pennine Moors and West Nidderdale, as well as Barden and Blubberhouses Moors.

Chris Foren, chair of the Group for Action on LBA, said: “Yorkshire Wildlife Trust say they will only drop their objection if they get ‘clear evidence that the increase in air travel... will not result in increased emissions’. So it’s obvious their objection will remain because more flying inevitably means more greenhouse gas emissions. LBA’s own assessment says it would pump out 142 kilotonnes of extra emissions per year from 2030. And we believe that figure is a gross underestimate.”

Mr Foren added: “This planning application isn’t primarily about a new ‘green’ terminal building. LBA want to extend daytime flying hours and allow more planes to fly at night.”

Earlier this month bosses at Leeds-Bradford Airport denied allegations that its proposed new terminal would increase flights and emissions, saying it would be a step change for supporting the sector and region in reaching emissions targets. LBA says it wants to create one of the most sustainable airport buildings in the UK.

Chief executive Hywel Rees said the submission of the plans embodied a commitment at LBA to significantly reduce emissions in the UK aviation sector and the wider Yorkshire region.

He said: “Most carbon in aviation is obviously emitted by aircraft but through advancements in power technology, modern aircraft are about 80% more fuel efficient and 90% quieter than they were in the 1950s, and this will accelerate now as the sector commits to a sustainable future.

He added: “Innovation in sustainable flying will continue, with the next generation of planes more efficient and cheaper to run, providing airlines with a natural incentive. Aircraft will become cleaner and quieter than ever before on a timescale we might not expect.”