CAMPAIGNERS against Leeds Bradford Airport expansion are preparing for a "David vs Goliath" battle at a public inquiry by launching a crowdfunder appeal

The Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport is asking for donations to help pay for legal advice and experts to give evidence to the public inquiry later this year. GALBA says it needs to raise £100,000 as soon as possible.

In January Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, granted a request to hold a public inquiry into LBA’s controversial plans. The inquiry will begin in Leeds on September 13. Evidence will be presented to planning inspectors, who will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State whether or not to allow the plans to go ahead.

Chris Foren, chair of GALBA, said: “The airport is owned by an Australian based multinational corporation which can literally spend millions on lawyers if it wants to. GALBA is just a group of concerned citizens - no one is paid, everyone involved does it because they care deeply about our communities and our climate. So it will be a real life David vs Goliath battle at the inquiry. That’s why we’ve launched a crowdfunder on our website - galba.uk - to raise funds for our legal and other costs.”

He added: “We are absolutely determined and we know thousands of people support our campaign. We also know that the future of our planet depends on struggles like this - people power really can make a difference. If we all work together, we can build a better future for our children and grandchildren.”

LBA’s planning application for a new £150 million terminal was approved by Leeds City Council in March 2021.

After the announcement that a public enquiry would be held Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “While we are disappointed to see this decision taken after 10 months of deliberation, we remain convinced in the economic, environmental and customer service cases for our replacement terminal. Our proposals are robust and we are committed to being an outstanding airport for passengers. We hope this decision does not signal a lost opportunity to level up the North of England. The plans not only comply with national and regional legislation, but also present a faster way for us to meet our Net Zero Strategy and a welcome boost for the UK tourism industry to bounce back from the Pandemic."