SUPPORTERS of the Leeds Bradford Airport replacement terminal development have written to Secretary of State, Robert Jenrick, calling for the approval of plans which would see the creation of thousands of jobs and a carbon net zero facility.

The Leeds Bradford Airport Support Group have requested that the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government does not call in LBA's plans to construct a three floor, 34,000 square metre replacement terminal on an alternative site within the airport's boundary and allow amended daytime flying hours in line with other UK airports .

LBA says its more efficient and sustainable terminal would enable it to reach its target of becoming carbon net zero by 2023 for airport operations. It says, ff approved, the plans will create 12,650 permanent jobs for the Leeds City Region economy.

Amid opposition, the airport has reiterated that its plans are not about expansion and highlighted that LBA already has a 24-hour consent and a roadmap to 7 million passengers. This increase in passenger numbers stems from the DfT’s ‘Airport Policy Framework 2013’ document, which confirmed that LBA has a growing passenger demand and the operational capacity to accommodate up to 7m passengers.

Ross Bailey, Spokesperson for the Leeds Bradford Airport Support Group, said:“LBA’s scheme does not impact upon Leeds City Council’s ability to meet its climate emergency commitments, as emissions for aviation are managed at a national and international level. It’s been stated throughout the proposal that the plans are about achieving net zero operations which otherwise will be difficult to achieve, creating a BREEAM excellent-rated sustainable terminal to replace the existing one and delivering a much-needed improved passenger experience.

“In a recent petition, we recorded over 1,600 signatures supporting LBA’s proposal, demonstrating clearly that ordinary people want this scheme to go ahead. We hope that the Secretary of State recognizes this and the arguments presented to him in the coming weeks.”