Connecting Leeds Bradford Airport


Background

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), located on the Bradford and Leeds boundary, is the primary airport for Yorkshire with nearly 70% of current passengers originating from the Leeds city region.

LBA is one of the UK’s fastest growing airports, supporting over 5,000 jobs and contributing £336m to the city region economy each year. In 2018 the airport handled over 4 million passengers, an increase of nearly 13% in just 12 months. The Department for Transport (DfT) has forecast that this may increase to 7.1 million by 2030 and to approximately 9 million passengers a year by 2050.

Tourism is an important sector for the region, estimated to be worth £7 billion to the Yorkshire economy and had an economic impact of £1.75 billion annually for Leeds in 2017. There is potential to expand the airport’s route network to open up new international connections, supporting international trade, tourism, and doubling the number of supported jobs to over 10,000 by 2030.

The growth in passengers, and in employment around the airport, means an increase in travel to the airport. Leeds City Council is seeking your views regarding road and train developments in order to address traffic and congestion, which will worsen as the number of trips to the airport doubles unless we act soon.


What are the issues we want to address?


For further information on the existing issues please click here.

Forecast population, employment and LBA passenger growth are likely to result in traffic growth and worsening congestion. Without any improvements the current issues will worsen.

  • Congestion will increase on local roads including Bayton Lane, Scotland Lane, Whitehouse Lane, Otley Old Road.
  • Journey times and delays will increase on already congested key routes including the A65 and A658.

The current and forecast constraints on the transport network is likely to have a negative impact on the ability of LBA to grow and for employment growth in the wider area. This would impact not only on the local area but the City Region as a whole.


The Proposals
Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and partners Bradford Council and Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) are now in a position to consult on further detailed options for improved access to the airport.

These are:

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) Parkway Station
A new Parkway rail station located on the existing Harrogate line, with a regular shuttle bus link to Leeds Bradford Airport's terminal building. The station would also have a park and ride facility for journeys in to Leeds or North Yorkshire, and improve accessibility to existing and proposed businesses in North West Leeds.

Click here for more information on the LBA Parkway Station.

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) Link Route Proposals
Views are being sought on three road proposals:

Option A: Building a new road and footway/cycleway from the A65, running along the eastern edge of the airport before joining the A658 to the north.

Option B: Building a new road and footway/cycleway following the same initial route as Option A, from the A65 but running to the south west of the airport, joining the A658 before the tunnel under the runway.

Option C: Upgrading the existing A65 and A658 around Rawdon and Yeadon to the airport. This would see junctions upgraded and, where needed, some localised road widening to deliver the junction improvements.

Click here for more information on the LBA Link Route (road)


LBA Proposed Employment Allocation
In addition, there are proposals for an employment site to the north of LBA. This is provided for information only and does not form part of this consultation.


Wider Strategy
The LBA Link Route and Parkway Station are included within the Leeds Transport Strategy. Further information on Leeds Transport Policy can be found here. In addition, there are projects underway as part of the West Yorkshire Transport Fund at A660 / A658 Dyneley Arms, A6120 Fink Hill, and A6120 Dawsons Corner, all of which aim to reduce congestion. Further information on current schemes and consultations see the Connecting Leeds webpage.


Have your say

Please read further information on the LBA Parkway Rail Station and LBA Link Route before answering the joint survey.

This phase of consultation is open until 12 April 2019 and your feedback will help inform the development of both schemes.

You can get in touch and have your say in a number of different ways:

  • Complete our survey using the link below (closing date 12 April)
  • Visit us at one of our public drop-in sessions
  • Ask us a question using the Q & A tool below
  • Email: connectinglba@leeds.gov.uk
  • Write to us at: FREEPOST Consultation Team (WYCA)

  • Phone: 0113 245 7676 (MetroLine)


You can also sign up to our mailing list to be kept informed about the development of this project or register to be added to the Your Voice community where you will receive information on opportunities to have your say on a variety of projects.


Background

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), located on the Bradford and Leeds boundary, is the primary airport for Yorkshire with nearly 70% of current passengers originating from the Leeds city region.

LBA is one of the UK’s fastest growing airports, supporting over 5,000 jobs and contributing £336m to the city region economy each year. In 2018 the airport handled over 4 million passengers, an increase of nearly 13% in just 12 months. The Department for Transport (DfT) has forecast that this may increase to 7.1 million by 2030 and to approximately 9 million passengers a year by 2050.

Tourism is an important sector for the region, estimated to be worth £7 billion to the Yorkshire economy and had an economic impact of £1.75 billion annually for Leeds in 2017. There is potential to expand the airport’s route network to open up new international connections, supporting international trade, tourism, and doubling the number of supported jobs to over 10,000 by 2030.

The growth in passengers, and in employment around the airport, means an increase in travel to the airport. Leeds City Council is seeking your views regarding road and train developments in order to address traffic and congestion, which will worsen as the number of trips to the airport doubles unless we act soon.


What are the issues we want to address?


For further information on the existing issues please click here.

Forecast population, employment and LBA passenger growth are likely to result in traffic growth and worsening congestion. Without any improvements the current issues will worsen.

  • Congestion will increase on local roads including Bayton Lane, Scotland Lane, Whitehouse Lane, Otley Old Road.
  • Journey times and delays will increase on already congested key routes including the A65 and A658.

The current and forecast constraints on the transport network is likely to have a negative impact on the ability of LBA to grow and for employment growth in the wider area. This would impact not only on the local area but the City Region as a whole.


The Proposals
Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and partners Bradford Council and Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) are now in a position to consult on further detailed options for improved access to the airport.

These are:

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) Parkway Station
A new Parkway rail station located on the existing Harrogate line, with a regular shuttle bus link to Leeds Bradford Airport's terminal building. The station would also have a park and ride facility for journeys in to Leeds or North Yorkshire, and improve accessibility to existing and proposed businesses in North West Leeds.

Click here for more information on the LBA Parkway Station.

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) Link Route Proposals
Views are being sought on three road proposals:

Option A: Building a new road and footway/cycleway from the A65, running along the eastern edge of the airport before joining the A658 to the north.

Option B: Building a new road and footway/cycleway following the same initial route as Option A, from the A65 but running to the south west of the airport, joining the A658 before the tunnel under the runway.

Option C: Upgrading the existing A65 and A658 around Rawdon and Yeadon to the airport. This would see junctions upgraded and, where needed, some localised road widening to deliver the junction improvements.

Click here for more information on the LBA Link Route (road)


LBA Proposed Employment Allocation
In addition, there are proposals for an employment site to the north of LBA. This is provided for information only and does not form part of this consultation.


Wider Strategy
The LBA Link Route and Parkway Station are included within the Leeds Transport Strategy. Further information on Leeds Transport Policy can be found here. In addition, there are projects underway as part of the West Yorkshire Transport Fund at A660 / A658 Dyneley Arms, A6120 Fink Hill, and A6120 Dawsons Corner, all of which aim to reduce congestion. Further information on current schemes and consultations see the Connecting Leeds webpage.


Have your say

Please read further information on the LBA Parkway Rail Station and LBA Link Route before answering the joint survey.

This phase of consultation is open until 12 April 2019 and your feedback will help inform the development of both schemes.

You can get in touch and have your say in a number of different ways:

  • Complete our survey using the link below (closing date 12 April)
  • Visit us at one of our public drop-in sessions
  • Ask us a question using the Q & A tool below
  • Email: connectinglba@leeds.gov.uk
  • Write to us at: FREEPOST Consultation Team (WYCA)

  • Phone: 0113 245 7676 (MetroLine)


You can also sign up to our mailing list to be kept informed about the development of this project or register to be added to the Your Voice community where you will receive information on opportunities to have your say on a variety of projects.

Do you have any questions for us...? Ask them here...

Q&A

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  • Why is everything in Leeds done to benefit a few......pointless having a new station that’s not in the airport. Transport should be seemless.

    M Spencer asked 29 days ago

    At this stage, it is unlikely that a direct rail link will be affordable and offer value for money. Building a station at the Airport Terminal building requires an additional heavy rail link from the existing railway line to the Airport. The Combined Authority commissioned some outline options appraisal work in 2016. The report indicated that a heavy rail link cannot be achieved without extensive tunnelling and cuttings which would incur significant costs. There is potential for a light rail or tram-train link option to link the Airport terminal to the existing Harrogate line. However, the cost for a tram-train / light rail link would be significant and would necessitate bespoke vehicles for a tram–train system.

  • Why can't a railway line off of the Leeds/Bradford-Guiseley Line be an option? This could then provide a hard rail link from both Leeds and Bradford to the airport and not just Leeds and if this line was extended to link into the Harrogate Line it would also open-up through journey opportunities from Skipton to LBA and Harrogate.

    shaunma asked about 1 month ago

    At present WYCA has no plans to opening new rail lines and we are developing a new station to serve Leeds Bradford Airport which is more affordable. Development funding is already secured for the development of the Parkway Station up to the completion of the Outline Business Case.

    However, we will in due course be developing a new rail policy and reviewing network gaps, including reopening lines, new stations, services and infrastructure will be part of WYCA’s considerations.

  • Good morning The current parkway station is planned along the Leeds - York train line Via Harrogate. Are Northern Rail working closely with LCC to support these plans as the current fleet on this line would be hugely unsuitable for an increase in passengers numbers. Thanks Danielle

    Danielle Sunley asked about 1 month ago

    The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is aware that availability of train capacity and seating is a key challenge in this area in particular during peak hours. We are working with the operators on the route through Rail North to influence their timetable and deployment of rolling stock so that trains are deployed in the way that benefits passengers. In the medium and longer terms, WYCA will work closely with the Department for Transport and Transport for the North to support a case for further investment on rolling stock and train capacity.

    LBA parkway station has is being designed to accomodate 6-car trains. 

  • What percentage of airport users are expected to use the rail link for arrival & departure? What will be the frequency of trains between Leeds and the new Parkway station?

    JohnBondi asked about 1 month ago

    Demand forecast work is underway to establish the expected levels of demand for LBA parkway from air passengers. Once complete this will inform the business case for the project.

    Development of a suitable train services timetable on this route will be a continuous process throughout the development of this project. Our current intention is to achieve a minimum of a two trains per hour service pattern at this location. We will continue to work with the relevant train operators and Transport for the North to deliver the most appropriate timetable that meets the needs of passengers based on the network capacity and the availability and suitability of the rolling stock. 

  • Is there any plan to restrict the car park at the new station to airport users (rather than daily commuters to Leeds city centre)

    cct asked about 1 month ago

    The station car park will be for rail passengers only. Suitable management arrangements will be put in to place to ensure parking is restricted to airport passengers travelling to LBA by car. 

  • Defo option A as it is just the best and also connects to the line

    Matt asked 16 days ago

    Thank you for your comments. These will be considered as  part of the consultation analysis. 

  • Has serious consideration been given to abandoning the existing Leeds Bradford Airport site for commercial flights and using upgraded facilities at Church Fenton?

    Jon of Oulton asked 20 days ago

    Thank you for your comments - these will be taken into account during the analysis of consultation feedback. Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is already integrated into the existing transport network, not only locally but also nationally. Leeds City Council (LCC), the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership support LBA in its current location and to manage the impacts of its operation and potential future expansion. It is not deemed practical to relocate the airport, or for the council to develop an additional one at an alternative site.

  • I’m aware you want to demolish several farm buildings for the road link to the train station. Can you please build around them if this plan goes ahead, it will benefit you as well as you will save hundreds of thousands of pounds by not buying and demolishing the century old farm buildings, you’ll have to spend more on tarmac but it won’t be as much as demolishing those buildings (only a fraction of the cost)

    Samuel Lewis asked 22 days ago

    Thank you for your comments. These will be considered through the consultation analysis. 

  • Why not rebuild the airport nearer the transport links? The ideal place for Yorkshire's airport is surely somewhere off the M62 between the M1 and A1 and right next door to the new high speed North/South rail line.

    AmbitionYorkshire asked 22 days ago

    Thank you for your comments - these will be taken into account during the analysis of consultation
    feedback. Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is already integrated into the existing transport network, not only locally but also nationally. Leeds City Council (LCC), the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership support LBA in its current location and to manage the impacts of its operation and potential future expansion. It is not deemed practical to relocate the airport, or for the council to develop an additional one at an alternative site.

  • What is proposed to preserve the extensive wildlife that will be negatively effected by the road building. Several families of deer, nesting birds of prey and other rarer song birds all live in the green belt land that will Be destroyed by the proposed roads. Not to mention the mature trees and shrubs.

    Annette asked 25 days ago

    Thank you for your comments. These will be considered through the consultation analysis.
    Ecological surveys have been indertaken to inform the development of these proposals and to inform the subsequent design stages. 
    A Green Bridge is being considered as part of the design for LBA Link Route Option A to provide for mixed use habitat and people crossing point (maintaining connectivity of Public Rights of Way). All three options include new roads or road widening that will impact on existing trees / woodland. Replacement of trees / woodland and supplementary provisions are being considered as part of the design strategy. Further details will be included in subsequent design stages once a preferred option is identified.


  • Option B is probably the best but as others have said ,the main problem areas are going to be the Horsforth roundabout area and Rodley . I have no doubt that after spending boat loads of l.c.c money and time on Rodley roundabout junction a couple of years ago, it will have to be totally changed to make access up to Horsforth . Great forward planning ! The road up to Horsforth needs to be dual carriageway in both directions ,with a segregated lane for traffic going to and from the Airport , so that it does not have to intersect the roundabout at all.

    Steve c asked 25 days ago

    Thank you for your comments. These will be considered as part of the consultation analysis.
    Link Route proposals are being developed in the wider context of transportation across NW Leeds. LCC have commissioned an initial feasibility study into options for improvements to the A6120 Leeds Outer Ring Road (A6120) between Dawson’s Corner (A647) and Horsforth Roundabout (A65), including capacity improvements at the Horsforth roundabout. The study will take into account planned capacity/connectivity improvements including Dawson’s Corner, Fink Hill/A6120 and the Leeds Bradford Airport Link route and also works already planned on the A6120 elsewhere. The study is currently programmed for completion later in 2019.

  • I am very interested in the increased bus access to LBA, particularly from Bradford. I believe there are only Yorkshire Tiger buses such as 747 and 737 that go from Bradford to LBA, which are also very slow on this route and contain many stops. It is quite frustrating that I pay for a yearly First Bus pass but cannot get a bus to the Airport included (Yorkshire Tiger is not part of First and I would have to pay extra to use those). Are there any specific plans for a fast, reliable and direct First Bus service from Bradford to Leeds-Bradford Airport? I think the X6 is a great bus to Leeds centre and a similar fast service to the airport would be very useful and popular, having operating hours that are as late and early as possible would also be highly favourable obviously as flight times can be highly irregular. Is this being considered?

    Fred asked 27 days ago

    Thank you for your message. Your comments will be considered in the consultation analysis. LBA is currently served by bus services operated by commercial bus operators. It is possible that any Link Route (Option A or B) could accommodate rerouted or new bus services but this would need discussions with commercial bus operators once a preferred option is identified / as the scheme progresses. 

  • The real problem is not north of the ring road. Another roundabout on the A65 near the crematorium will just make things worse. It will create a further bottleneck and choke the whole area. Queues are at the ring road. Forget about Options A, B and C and instead address the problem that cars and buses have - the ring road at Horsforth roundabout. People who live in the area understand the problem and that the Options will solve nothing. Why do the authorities keep resurrecting these schemes which we tell you will solve nothing but will cost a fortune and destroy acres of green fields?

    Clovis asked 28 days ago

    Thank you for your comments - these will be considered through the consultation analysis.
    Link route proposals are being considered in the wider context of transport issues across NW Leeds. Leeds City Council is progressing work to investigate the strategic case, implications and opportunities arising from dualling the A6120 Leeds Outer Ring Road and capacity enhancements at Horsforth Roundabout.

  • My comments won't be 'captured' (what a silly expression!) but I agree with what Anne Simms said. Money isn't everything, we don't NEED to fly, come to that there is already far too much traffic on the roads. Cars and aircraft = pollution, the environment is far more important than convenience. Oh - and why have that damned piano on the film? It's irrelevant, distracting and intrusive as well as being unpleasant.

    Mary Fisher asked 28 days ago

    Thank you for your comments. These will be considered through the consultation analysis.
    Noise and air quality impacts, associated with the creation of a proposed LBA Link Route and LBA Parkway Station, are being assessed as part of the development of the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the schemes. Further details will be provided when available.
    Monitoring of air quality is a requirement of the airport’s planning conditions and this is reviewed regularly by Leeds City Council.

  • Why are there no details surrounding the roundabout that connects the A1620 and the A65? This is what kills all capacity, and any work done on any new routes on the A65 will be bottlenecked by the traffic snake effect that happens when the long line of cars queue down the A65 during peak times. Traffic heading towards Bradford from the A65 also bottlenecks, as the A1620 fills to capacity leaving cars waiting on the A65 queue to go, blocking vehicles behind wanting to go straight, like the 34 and the 757 bus. Why are you not taking the above into account and propose a solution to this problem? Why are we also forcing the bus routes down the very Bush A65 when they can be redirected through to Bayton lane via West End Lane?

    Marty asked 28 days ago

    Thank you for your comments. These will be considered through the consultation analysis.
    LCC have commissioned an initial feasibility study into options for improvements to the A6120 Leeds Outer Ring Road (A6120) between Dawson’s Corner (A647) and Horsforth Roundabout (A65), including capacity improvements at the Horsforth roundabout. The study will take into account planned capacity/connectivity improvements including Dawson’s Corner, Fink Hill/A6120 and the Leeds Bradford Airport Link route and also works already planned on the A6120 elsewhere. The study is currently programmed for completion later in 2019.
    Bus services to the airport (and in the vicinity) are operated by commercial bus operators. Any future amendments to existing routes or new services, including utilisation of any future Link Route Option (A or B), would require discussions with commercial bus operators once a preferred option is identified / as the scheme progresses.

  • Surely long-term the best solution is for a railway from Leeds straight to the Airport. Do we really want to ruin the surrounding countryside with another dual carriageway with the cost of pollution and construction surely making it less economically viable than a train service?

    stephen asked 28 days ago

    Thank you for your comments - these will be considered through the consultation analysis.  We will get back to you with any more information if possible in the near future.

  • The road system for the area between LBA and Leeds, A65 in particular but also including the ridiculous single-lane ring road is hopelessly inadequate for the ever increasing numbers of vehicles that use it. If a rail option is too expensive then perhaps LBA should reconsider its expansion plans.

    Puffwheez asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your comments - these will be considered through the consultation analysis.
    Initial traffic modelling work was undertaken to identify the highway standard required for a proposed Link Route option. This testing considered the need for accommodating changes in demand as well as environmental and financial impacts of constructing a wider route option. The results of the tests identified that a single carriageway would be the most appropriate standard for the link route given the forecast demand resulting from growth at LBA and the wider NW Leeds area and the need to minimise impacts resulting from development of a new road.
    Link route proposals are being considered in the wider context of transport issues across NW Leeds. LCC have commissioned an initial feasibility study into options for improvements to the A6120 Leeds Outer Ring Road (A6120) between Dawson’s Corner (A647) and Horsforth Roundabout (A65). The study will take into account planned capacity/connectivity improvements including Dawson’s Corner, Fink Hill/A6120 and the Leeds Bradford Airport Link route and also works already planned on the A6120 elsewhere. The study is currently programmed for completion later in 2019.

  • Will the proposed new road from leaving the A 65 until reaching the airport be just that no side roads or developments and be double yellow lined alongits entirety

    Mick asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your message. There is currently no intention to provide junctions along the Link Route Options A and B other than those connecting to existing highways i.e. A65, A658, Whitehouse Lane and potential for access to the Parkway Station as appropriate. The Link Road scheme is not proposed to support new developments.
    LCC’s (draft) Site Allocations Plan, expected to be adopted in Summer 2019, sets out the locations for development across Leeds. A proposed employment site is located to the north of Whitehouse Lane. There are no other proposed employment and housing sites in the Aireborough and North Leeds area that result from the provision of a link road.
    Details around parking restrictions will be clarified through the subsequent design processes. 

  • As a Horsforth resident that uses these roads regularly, I’m not convinced at all that the traffic problems we have here are even anything to do with the airport. Most of the traffic is going past the airport between Leeds/Harrogate/Bradford. Is there any proposal you have that doesn’t involve carving up all the local green belt land?

    Robf asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your comments - these will be considered through the consultation process.
    There are a number of longstanding transport problems in North West Leeds currently, including congestion, which is one of the main constraints to affect accessibility to the airport. This is due to the road network within the vicinity of the airport operating at high capacity during peak times, resulting in longer and increasingly unreliable journey times. A lack of intervention will likely result in increased amounts of congestion and delay on the network, exacerbated by future passenger growth at the airport and the proposed development sites set out in LCC’s emerging Sites Allocation Plan. The proposals have been developed to provide more capacity on the road network to accommodate the current and forecast future congestion and create improved resilience and journey times.
    Whilst bringing benefits to existing routes, it is recognised that Link Route Options A and B will introduce some adverse impacts. Areas have been identified and indicative mitigation measures outlined including steeply sloped verges, allowing the road to sit below eye level, and tree/hedge planting to lessen visual and noise impacts.
    Please note, Option C proposals are to upgrade the existing A65 and A658 around Rawdon and Yeadon to the airport (no new link road). This would see junctions upgraded and, where needed, some localised road widening to deliver the junction improvements 

  • May I propose Option D whilst at the consultation stage: to build a new airport nearer to Leeds and easily accessed from the motorways. There are two main reasons for this: 1. LBIA is a privately owned Australian business. It seems unreasonable to use tax payers money to bolster their business. 2. Even with a link road, the traffic will still be shocking at Horsforth and Rodley and Owlcoates roundabouts. I believe that LBIA is 14 miles from the nearest motorway. Surely the money could be better spent to create a new airport that is more easily accessed from the city centre and the M!/M62?

    Chownz asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your message. Your comments will be fed into the consultation analysis. Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is already integrated into the existing transport network, not only locally but also nationally. Leeds City Council (LCC), the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership support LBA in its current location and to manage the impacts of its operation and potential future expansion. It is not deemed practical to relocate the airport, or for the council to develop an additional one at an alternative site.
    Funding, if approved, would be provided by the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund (WYPTF). A contribution will be sought from LBA (although this has not yet been agreed). It is important to note that LBA brings significant benefit to the regional economy which justifies the use of WYPTF monies for scheme(s) that improve surface access to the airport.
    Link route proposals are being considered in the wider context of transport issues across NW Leeds. LCC have commissioned an initial feasibility study into options for improvements to the A6120 Leeds Outer Ring Road (A6120) between Dawson’s Corner (A647) and Horsforth Roundabout (A65). The study will take into account planned capacity/connectivity improvements including Dawson’s Corner, Fink Hill/A6120 and the Leeds Bradford Airport Link route and also works already planned on the A6120 elsewhere. The study is currently programmed for completion later in 2019.

  • What proportion of the cars using the currently congested roads are airport traffic? This is an important question, since -- for example -- if the current 4 million passengers only contribute to 2% of the road traffic, then doubling the number of passengers (by 2040) will not make a huge difference to congestion on the existing roads. That is, the expansion of the airport becomes almost irrelevant to the need for a new road link.

    cct asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your recent comments. These will be considered through the consultation analysis. 
    There are a number of longstanding transport problems in North West Leeds currently, including congestion, which is one of the main constraints to affect accessibility to the airport. This is due to the road network within the vicinity of the airport operating at high capacity during peak times, resulting in longer and increasingly unreliable journey times. A lack of intervention will likely result in increased amounts of congestion and delay on the network, exacerbated by future passenger growth at the airport and the proposed development sites set out in LCC’s emerging Sites Allocation Plan. A new access road to LBA will provide more capacity on the road network to accommodate the current and forecast future congestion and create improved resilience and journey times.
    Further detailed transport modelling work is being finalised to establish the scale of change resulting from the different options being considered. Further details will follow when available.

  • Will any proposed increases in road traffic to the airport be carbon neutral and similarly will the increase in flights from LBA result in NO overall increase in CO2 emissions? Or is the council disinterested in climate change?

    Dountingthomas asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your message. Your comments will be fed into the consultation analysis. Noise and air
    quality impacts, associated with the creation of a proposed LBA Link Route and LBA Parkway Station, are being assessed as part of the development of the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the schemes. Further details will be provided when available.

  • What improved access for bus users is planned from neighboring towns?

    Nicholas NEwman asked 27 days ago

    Thank you for your message. LBA is currently served by bus services mainly connecting to Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate. These services are operated by commercial bus operators. It is possible that any Link Route (Option A or B) could accommodate rerouted or new bus services but this would need discussions with commercial bus operators once a preferred option is identified / as the scheme progresses.

  • No further expansion is needed it’s location means it should stay a small airport.....only serves a limited few I live in South Leeds and it’s quicker to go to Manchester

    M Spencer asked 29 days ago

    Thank you for your comments - these will be considered as part of the consultation analysis.

  • Why isn’t the airport covering the full cost of this? Tax payers shouldn’t be funding this

    M Spencer asked 29 days ago

    Thank you for your comments - these will be considered as part of the consulation analysis. Funding, if approved, would be provided by the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund (WYPTF). A contribution will be sought from LBA (although this has not yet been agreed). It is important to note that LBA brings significant benefit to the regional economy which justifies the use of WYPTF monies for scheme(s) that improve surface access to the airport.

  • Why don't we recognise that the airport is in entirely the wrong place from a communications perspective as well as a climactic one, where the unusual conditions cause too frequent disruption to take-off's and landings. Would it now make more sense to move the airport to a better location elsewhere within West Yorks where there are already good rail and road connections and where people can eliminate the journey times and congestion currently incurred. Think big.

    RPT asked 30 days ago

    Thank you for your comments. Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is already integrated into the existing transport network, not only locally but also
    nationally. Leeds City Council (LCC), the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership support LBA in its current location and to manage the impacts of its operation and potential future expansion. It is not deemed practical to relocate the airport, or for the council to develop an additional one at an alternative site.

  • Option 1 would destroy far too much farmland and woodland at Whetstone Plantation. Option 1 or 2 much preferred.

    Colzoss asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your comments - these will be considered as part of the consultation consultation analysis. 

  • What about option D - not doing anything and finally realising that it is not in the right area for expansion? Why aren’t we given this option?

    Hhggg asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your comments - these will be considered as part of the analysis

  • Why are we continuing trying to improve Leeds Bradford Airport? It’s not in an appropriate location for expansion and the road extensions options will only further destroy green belt land and make a minor contribution to improve airport access. Why don’t we find a better location for the airport and protect green areas (the planet is being destroyed as it is)?

    Hhggg asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your comments. Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is already integrated into the existing transport network, not only locally but also nationally. Leeds City Council (LCC), the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership support LBA in its current location and to manage the impacts of its operation and potential future expansion. It is not deemed practical to relocate the airport, or for the council to develop an additional one at an alternative site.

  • ..simple..when are you going to learn that the only sustainable answer is a rail connection right up to the airport..like Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester and all the rest..get cars and buses off the roads, no need for a new road..and please do not use gradients as an excuse as modern technology exists to overcome these issues..

    rossmagpie asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your comments - these will be considered as part of the consultation analysis. At this stage, it is unlikely that a direct rail link will be affordable and offer value for money. Building a station at the Airport Terminal building requires an additional heavy rail link from the existing railway line to the Airport. WYCA commissioned some outline options appraisal work in 2016. The report indicated that a heavy rail link cannot be achieved without extensive tunnelling and cuttings which would incur significant costs. There is potential for a light rail or tram-train link option to link the Airport terminal to the existing Harrogate line. However, the cost for a tram-train / light rail link would be significant and would necessitate bespoke vehicles for a tram–train system.
    Although the costs for delivering the proposed Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway Station are still being refined it is anticipated that a Parkway Station will be able to deliver significant benefits at a significantly lower total cost.
    Evidence suggests that the predominant mode of transport to any UK airport is via car (private car journey or taxi). Airports with rail connections (either direct or parkway) are known to be accessed by car over 80% of the time (car accounts for 80% of the mode share), highlighting that road access is critical for any airport. A new rail station will not cater for the additional forecast growth at LBA. It is therefore proposed as part of the integrated approach to provide both road and rail access improvements.

  • The main cause of the bottleneck at Horsforth roundabout is mainly due to the council not spending money on improving the Ringroad to a Dual carriageway through Horsforth up to Owlcoates roundabout. If this was done then the traffic light timing could be altered allowing more cars through eliminating a lot of the tail backs . Also the tailbacks on thie A65 have nothing to do with the airport. During the school holidays there are no real holdups at the roundabout, and when the exams are on it is quiet on the road. I have lived on the A65 for 19 years and have observred the traffic daily. As for a bypass to the Airport, There is very little traffic that actually goes up to Rawdon lights that goes to the airport , which is confirmed by a survey by some of our local residents did. So the question is , Should you spend monies on the Ringroad where you know you can improve the quality of peoples lives or do you gamble money on a possible WHITE ELEPHANT, Where once the road is in , over the green fields, it will open the door to the parasite housing developers , because you have altered the status of the area. Causing undue stress to thousands of people.

    asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your message. Your comments will be considered as part of the consultation analysis.

    Leeds City Council is progressing work to investigate the strategic case, implications and opportunities arising from dualling the A6120 Leeds Outer Ring Road (A6120) between Dawson's Corner (A647) and Horsforth Roundabout (A65), and capacity enhancements at Horsforth Roundabout.

    The Link Road scheme is not proposed to support new developments. There is currently no intention to provide junctions along the Link Route Options A and B other than those connecting to existing highways i.e. A65, A658, Whitehouse Lane and potential for access to the Parkway Station as appropriate. LCC’s (draft) Site Allocations Plan, expected to be adopted in Summer 2019, sets out the locations for development across Leeds. A proposed employment site is located to the north of Whitehouse Lane. There are no other proposed employment and housing sites in the Aireborough and North Leeds area that result from the provision of a link road.

  • Why have the council never revealed the results of the first consultation about these link road proposals? I assume because the responses were heavily against it. Why can't all the resources be put into a rail link which could go underground for the short distance to the airport from the Harrogate Line? Leeds is stuck in a 1960s and 70s time warp where we build more roads to relieve congestion and then more roads etc. It's been known for many years that we cannot road build our way out of congestion. On the proposals, how will the link road work without at least part of the road to be built in Option A which is the most damaging route? Option C is the only one I could support. More traffic on these roads will just lead to congestion further into Leeds from Horsforth onwards. It's not really a strategy for the future. We have to get people out of cars.

    John Ellis asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your message. Your comments will be considered as part of the consultation analysis.

    Please note that the Report of Initial Consultation is available here: https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/linkroute/documents.

    Building a station at the Airport Terminal building requires an additional heavy rail link from the existing railway line to the Airport. WYCA commissioned some outline options appraisal work in 2016. The report indicated that a heavy rail link cannot be achieved without extensive tunnelling and cuttings which would incur significant costs. Although the costs for delivering the proposed Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway Station are still being refined it is anticipated that a Parkway Station will be able to deliver significant benefits at a significantly lower total cost.

    Options for providing highway access to the rail station are being considered as part of this work. A new spur road will need to be built which would connect the rail station to Scotland Lane. If link route Option A emerges as the preferred link route option, then there is the potential to connect to it from the spur road at a later stage. If link route option A is not delivered one option would be to undertake significant works to widen Scotland Lane to the north of the station spur road to accommodate station traffic, both rail passenger and airport shuttle buses. An alternative option may be to construct a new section of highway from Scotland Lane to the LBA long stay car park.

  • I travelled from Horsforth to Otley 4 times a day using Whitehouse Lane and I have never seen any congestion on this road. The only congestion in this area is caused by rush-hour traffic on the A65 and has nothing to do with the airport. It certainly does not need any extra roads or access based on the current and future use. I have to ask where any figures on future traffic have come from and how many people travel to the airport for holidays or business on bicycles resulting in the need for a cycle lane.

    Peter M asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your comments - these will be considered as part of the consultation analysis. 
    Leeds Bradford Airport is forecast to grow significantly over the coming years. As you have noted, the road network within the vicinity of the airport operates at high capacity during peak times, resulting in longer and increasingly unreliable journey times. A lack of intervention will likely result in increased amounts of congestion and delay on the network, exacerbated by future passenger growth at the airport and the proposed development sites set out in LCC’s emerging Sites Allocation Plan. A new access road to LBA will provide more capacity on the road network to accommodate the current and forecast future congestion and create improved resilience and journey times.
    Both Options A and B include segregated walking and cycle facilities along the length of the link road proposals. This provides connectivity for leisure and commuter cyclists and continuity of Public Rights of Way that may be severed by a proposed link road. This also offers the potential to incorporate connections to the proposed Parkway Station and proposed employment site.

  • What will happen to the many footpaths in the neighbourhood (which will be crossed by the new link roads)? Will there be a proper corossing or bridge or tunnel or what?

    cct asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your message. Further details of the impact of the proposals on Public Rights of Way (PRoW) can be viewed on the 'section plans' for options A and B (available here https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/linkroute/documents). This details the potential development of connections, including bridges, to provide continuity of access for PRoWs   that may be severed by a proposed link road. Furthermore, both Options A and B include high quality segregated footway / cycleway along the length of the link road proposals. 

  • I asked some specific questions on 21st February. When can I expect a response?

    JohnBondi asked 22 days ago

    Thank you for your message. We have received a high volume of enquiries and we intend to respond to all enquiries as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.

  • Option A is the only option that will really work. It is a necessity if the proposals for a Park and Ride at the Parkway Station are to happen - and they certainly need to! NW Leeds has no park and ride and one is long overdue. Option A also provides a link to the proposed Employment Zone near the airport, which Option B and C do not. It will also take away much of the current traffic that passes through the runway tunnel, and therefore reduce congestion in Yeadon and Rawdon - which neither Option B or C will do. A dual carriageway on Option A would have been nice but considerably more expensive with more land to acquire and I doubt it would fit between some of the existing buildings/structures - whereas the single carriageway does. I agree with other comments that the road should have continued further to Rodley to reduce congestion at Horsforth Roundabout (A6120)

    Hev asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your message. Your comments will be considered as part of 
    the consultation analysis. 
    Initial traffic modelling work has been undertaken to identify the highway standard required for a proposed Link Route option. The results of the tests identified that a single carriageway would be the most appropriate standard for the link route given the forecast demand resulting from growth at LBA and the wider NW Leeds area and the need to minimise impacts resulting from development of a new road.
    Leeds City Council is progressing work to investigate the strategic case, implications and opportunities arising from dualling the A6120 Leeds Outer Ring Road and capacity enhancements at Horsforth Roundabout.

  • Option A is clearly the best option. It is difficult to see how Option B or C can connect with the proposed rail parkway.

    Aviador asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your message. Your comments will be considered as part of the consultation analysis. Currently, it is anticipated that the Parkway Station would be built before any link route. Options for providing highway access to the rail station are being considered as part of this work. A new spur road will need to be built which would connect the rail station to Scotland Lane. If link route Option A emerges as the preferred link route option, then there is the potential to connect to it from the spur road at a later stage.

  • Why does the link road not extend down and over the river to connect up with the outer ring road at Rodley Roundabout or further up at Pudsey? The current section of the ring road link from Pudsey to Rodley and over the river to Horsforth is an absolute bottleneck. Which I quite sure the traffic analysis will demonstrate will only get worse if this link allows more traffic flow. This will be to the detriment of the local community. By extending this proposal there will be a direct western link from the outer ring road to the Airport and North Western Leeds Suburbs and Harrogate beyond. This would dramatically improve the travel times for local residents and reduce them for people travelling trough our western section of the city to the Airport and associated commercial quarter. Many local commuters (myself included) often travel from North Leeds to the M62 to work in Manchester and beyond, has any analysis been done on the benefit / reduction in "Commuter Time" this will bring to the people of North Leeds?

    RobR asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your message. Your comments have been captured and will be considered as part of the consultation analysis. This consultation is to gauge feedback on the designs of the link route. We will be consulting again later in 2019 on these plans, which will include analysis of benefits and reduction in journey times/delays.

  • We are missing a trick. Did manchester drop a railway station due to costs or location? No. If a train link cant be nearer why cant a moving walkway be created? Surely the future plan is to reduce buses or cars? To go from train to bus to terminal seems crazy. Or perhaps a shuttle mini train like i used at gatwick?

    Paul R asked about 1 month ago

    At this stage, it is unlikely that a direct rail link will be affordable and offer value for money. Building a station at the Airport Terminal building requires an additional heavy rail link from the existing railway line to the Airport. WYCA commissioned some outline options appraisal work in 2016. The report indicated that a heavy rail link cannot be achieved without extensive tunnelling and cuttings which would incur significant costs. There is potential for a light rail or tram-train link option to link the Airport terminal to the existing Harrogate line. However, the cost for a tram-train / light rail link would be significant and would necessitate bespoke vehicles for a tram–train system.

    Although the costs for delivering the proposed Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway Station are still being refined it is anticipated that a Parkway Station will be able to deliver significant benefits at a significantly lower total cost. 

    At this early stage of the project it is expected that a shuttle bus will transfer passengers between the parkway station and terminal building. We will continue to work closely with the airport to explore other opportunities and technologies to provide the connection. All feedback to this effect which is received as part of this consultation will be reviewed as part of the next design phase.

  • Whilst I'm not against the road extension to the Airport, my concern is the bottleneck are the Horsforth roundabout and the outer ring road in that vicinity which is stacked doing rush hour. Add to that the long queues coming down the A65 from Rawdon to Horsforth. Those section needs seriously upgrading other wise the new road will not reap the benefits. Do you agree and what is planned for those related sections?

    Harry asked about 1 month ago

    Thanks for your question. Outside of this scheme the council does have plans to improve traffic flows around Horsforth Roundabout including the consideration of two lanes along this section of the Outer Ring Road. Your comments on wider issues of congestion in this area will be considered as part of this consultation.

  • In this day of shortage of housing and farming land needed to cater for food, how much land and how many properties will be destroyed with these new proposals? Can the removal of houses and farming land really be justified to cater for the airport?

    Anne Simms asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your message. Your comments have been captured and will be considered as part of the consultation analysis. 

  • Option B provides best solution whilst reducing impact on residents and environment but should be dual carriageway from A65 all the way to junction with Otley Old Road on A658

    Joe.bloggs asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your message. Your comments have been captured and will be considered as part of the consultation analysis. 

  • Option B but should be dual carriageway full length

    Joe.bloggs asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your message. Your comments have been captured and will be considered as part of the consultation analysis.