CAMPAIGNERS opposing expansion at Leeds Bradford Airport are welcoming support from all five Labour MPs in Leeds.

Chris Foren, chairman of The Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA), said: “Five local MPs have now confirmed their opposition to the airport’s expansion proposals. The prospects for airlines after the COVID crisis looks bleak. We urgently need Leeds City Council to help local people move into safe and sustainable jobs. Jobs with a future, for the future.”

Objections have been formally submitted by Leeds North West MP Alex Sobel, Leeds North East MP Fabian Hamilton, MP for Central Leeds Hilary Benn, MP for East Leeds Richard Burgon, and Rachel Reeves, MP for West Leeds.

Mr Sobel has welcomed the decision by Leeds City Council to extend the consultation on Leeds Bradford Airport’s plans for a new terminal.

The consultation on the plan was due to be held only until June 15.

Mr Sobel raised deep concerns about the complexity and volume of the documentation and the lack of time for people to adequately respond to it.

Leeds City Council has now extended the end of formal consultation until July 7.

Mr Sobel said, “I welcome the decision to postpone the deadline and to allow time for more people to assess and comment on the plans before a decision is made by Leeds City Council.

“The documentation is vast and complex, and it is important for people to be able to hear and access the arguments that are made in favour or against this application.

“I would hope that this extension comes hand in hand with accessible events for the community to gain an understanding of what is being proposed

“I have submitted my objection on the basis that, whilst I have no objection with the modernisation of the building and there are many things within that to support, I simply cannot back a plan that is dependent on an increase in passenger numbers and therefore flight emissions at a time where we should be focusing on and committed to meeting our climate obligations and the industry should be focusing on recovering from the coronavirus pandemic.”

Leeds Bradford Airport says its proposed terminal will be one of the UK’s most environmentally efficient airport buildings and will support the region’s economic prosperity.

It says noise mitigation commitments being put forward as part of its replacement terminal proposal will bring about some of the most stringent measures in use at any UK airport.

LBA is committing to reducing the impact of noise with a new noise insulation scheme offering a grant of up to £5,000 per home for those forecast to be exposed to the highest levels of day and night time noise.