PLANS to expand Leeds Bradford Airport have faced fierce opposition despite hopes that it will be a major economic boost for the region.
What is the plan?
The airport wants to build a new terminal and upgrade other facilities. The plans also involve the demolition of existing buildings and the creation of the support infrastructure for the new terminal building.
BUILDING: An artist's impression of the new terminal
How much will this cost?
The project has been costed at £150m.
When is it due to open?
The airport is hoping to be ready by 2023.
What will it mean?
The airport welcomes around four million passengers a year (althoygh that was much less in 2020 thanks to the pandemic). With the expansion it hopes to boost that to seven million over a 10-year period.
PASSENGERS: LBA says the plan is crucial to its continued expansion
So what's the problem?
Campaigners argue that expanding the airport at a time of such great uncertainty would be foolhardy. They also claim an expanded airport will produce more greenhouse gas emissions.
Supporters say that without the expansion people would drive to other airports, creating even more pollution.
What does the airport say?
Upgrading the terminal will allow it to become a net zero airport.
What's that mean?
The Airport Council International (ACI) Europe defines net zero as: Net zero carbon emissions are achieved “when CO2 emissions generated by human activity are balanced globally by CO2 removals over a specific period.
How do you do that?
India’s Cochin International Airport has already achieved its objective of becoming the first net zero energy airport in the world through the use of solar power.
Ultimately, Leeds Bradford may have no choice regardless of the expansion plan. Operators of European aviation hubs have already promised to achieve net zero by 2050.
What does business say?
Gerald Jennings, of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce: "We are the largest economy outside London, but we have a third-rate airport- what message does that send out?"
The existing LBA terminal building
Who will have the final say?
Although Leeds City Council has backed the plan the final scheme will be referred to the Government which will make the final decision.
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