The plans, which first surfaced in 2019 involved building a new eco-friendly terminal to accommodate more flights and have been subject to fierce debate ever since.

Airport bosses said today that they have withdrawn proposals because of "excessive delays" and the decision to hold a public inquiry into the development.

They said they would now turn their attention to extending the existing terminal, plans for which were approved by Leeds City Council in 2019.

The announcement has been a talking point among people across the district.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin tweeted to say she was "excited" for the zero-carbon terminal expansion, but it's "their decision."

Richard: Breaking News: Leeds Bradford Airport has announced it’s withdrawing its planning application for a replacement terminal building, following excessive delays and the decision to call in plans by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up. Is this a blow for West Yorkshire? pic.twitter.com/3d3cD4c9RS

— Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire (@MayorOfWY) March 10, 2022

Alex Sobel MP for Leeds North West welcomed the decision by airport bosses. 

I’m pleased the Airport is not proceeding with their application at public inquiry. From the start this was always about increasing passenger numbers and carbon emissions not getting a new building. I hope the Airport will enter discussions about reducing aviation emissions now. https://t.co/Sbf74UgrcQ

— Alex Sobel MP 🟣 (@alexsobel) March 10, 2022

He said: 'I am pleased that LBA is not proceeding with the new terminal. The proposal was too closely linked to an increase in flights at a time when we face a climate emergency and have a commitment to carbon reduction.

I appreciate that this is a difficult time for all businesses, and I will be reaching out to LBA who are a major local employer, to see how I can further support on more sustainable projects.'

Bradford Cllr Ralph Berry (Lab, Wibsey) said he agrees with Mr Sobel, adding that it's a "very sensible decision, the world has moved on."

A Campaigning group called Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) that has been fighting to oppose the extension celebrated the news, referring to it as a 'victory for our climate and communties.'

GALBA’s statement on today’s HUGE NEWS that LBA has withdrawn its controversial expansion plans…

This is a victory for our climate and our communities. It means that LBA cannot extend daytime flying hours nor remove night time flying controls…1/

— GALBA - Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (@galba_action) March 10, 2022

Chris Foren, chair of GALBA, said: “Make no mistake, this victory is down to the thousands of people who took action, donated funds and never gave up hope that we CAN make the right decisions today to build a better tomorrow. GALBA would like to say a massive ‘thank you’ to everyone who has backed our campaign.” 

This is a victory for our climate and our communities - we are delighted that LBA has acknowledged defeat."

T&A readers have also expressed their feelings towards the announcement.

One reader said: "Disgraceful decision. Yorkshire needs a decent airport, not extension after extension."

Another added: "It's an airport with poor transport links, nowhere near a trunk road and is the windiest airport in the country.. It doesn't need to be further developed, it should be shrunk to a manageable size."