BUILDING work has started on a new multi-million pound hotel at Leeds Bradford International Airport.

The 48 bedroom budget Travelodge hotel, being built by Marshall of Elland, is due to open this September and has been designed for Gregory Property Developments.

Situated across from the Yeadon airport's terminal, the hotel will be managed by Travelrest Services Ltd.

Its design incorporates traditional stone walls and slate roofs in a modern style which is meant to blend in with the landscape.

The airport, which attracted two million passengers last year, says the creation of the hotel is part and package of its long-term expansion plans.

Airport Chairman Councillor Tony Cairns said: "The development marks another important step forward and couldn't be happening at a better time, as we look forward to more passengers using the airport. The hotel will be ideally situated for passengers, visitors and for airline crew."

Leeds architects Philip Leeds & Associates is acting as the project manager for the initiative. Managing Director Philip Lees said: "We are delighted to be working on this exciting scheme. It has been particularly crucial that the design element complements the landscape and the environment in which the hotel sits."

Not everyone is so pleased with the airport's expansion plans for the next few decades, however. Many residents and environmentalists are worried about the effects of an 'ever growing' airport, and were dismayed when the Government gave Leeds Bradford approval to virtually 'expand at will' last year.