Further to the recent information supplied by the Yeadon Councillors, regarding LBA intending to seek a variation to the night planning restrictions, I have just received this directly from LBA. It has been issued to all ACC members so that, together with the released information by Councillors, suggests that its now in the public domain. Anyway, it soon will be. Nevertheless, I would strongly suggest that we read, digest, and say nowt, other than any discussion within our membership.
A key issue to note is that as well as the proposal to switch from the existing movement cap to an overall annual noise exposure limit, supported by a new noise insulation scheme, the proposal also changes night time hours to those sought, and approved by Leeds City Council as part of Project Sky, ie: night time hours change from 2300- 0700 to 2330-0559. This would bring LBA in line with other airports, and the average noise exposure system is stated to be in accordance with CAA and Government policy. It should also be noted, that if implemented, the 31 year old winter/summer night movement limit of 4000 per year would be scrapped completely and the overall noise exposure based on a calendar year.
Anyway, for your information. I'm unsure if this amendment to an existing planning consent counts as a planning application that enables public comment/objection/support or not. Hopefully, not. Otherwise, we will be still waiting for a decision in 6 months. Someone mentioned that the Council needs to respond within 13 weeks, but we've heard that before, haven't we?? (CLEUDs).
It's interesting this action is being taken, following a period of discussions between LBA and LCC planners on the way forward after the CLEUD outcome.
Let's hope this is seen by both parties as the way forward. We know for sure the likely reaction of they who shall not be named.
IF this succeeds, its brilliant. Big IF as ever but the Council have approved these hours before, and only an idiot would seek to prevent the airport attracting the quieter aircraft. The key issue of course, is what is this annual night noise exposure limit and how soon will LBA reach it, if airlines don't upgrade their based aircraft??
Leeds Bradford Airport
S73 Application - Briefing Note
What is proposed and Why
The proposals seek to update planning conditions which control night flights at LBA , via a s73 application of
planning permission P/07/022 0 8/FU.
LBA are currently permitted to operate a capped number of aircraft arrivals and departures during the nighttime
period of 2300 – 0700 hrs. These restrictions are over 30 years old and are therefore significantly outdated ,
presenting no incentive for airlines to modernise their aircraft fleets. They also place LBA at a competitive
disadvantage compared to other UK regional airportsto the detriment of the West Yorkshire economy.
Most UK airports benefit from an operational nighttime period which ends at 0559 hrs. This is due to standard
European flight patterns which dictate that early morning flights are necessary for the efficient operation of airports and the airlines, largely due to the ability to operate return flights in a single day .
The focus of the application is on reducing aircraft noise via a capped noise quota count system over a new
operational night-time period of 2330 – 0559 hrs . Such a system will make LBA compliant with current CAA, DfT
and government policy on aviation and will:
• Constitute a move to limits directly related to noise
• will incentivise the early adoption of quieter, low emission aircraft which the current movement based operational controls do not.
• Replace the existing summer and winter season movements limits (2,800 & 1,200 respectively) with a fixed noise quota count cap that applies annually over the calendar year to all aircraft that arrive and
depart during the 2330 to 0559 nighttime period.
Airlines need to be incentivised to base their most modern, energy efficient and quietest aircraft in locations
where their benefits can be maximised. This will also stimulate greater connectivity and support economic growth in the West Yorkshire Region, whist reducing noise and aircraft emissions.
What are the Benefits of the Proposals?
Social benefits include a reduction in the impact of noise on local communities by the introduction of a new noise
insulation scheme. The changes will also lead to enhanced global and UK connectivity and reduced surface
access journey times, as people will be discouraged from travelling to more distant airports.
Environmental benefits extend to a reduction in greenhouse gases such as CO2, a reduction in air pollution
from particulate matter and lower fuel demands by aircraft.
Economic benefits of the proposals include in excess of 5,500 new jobs, and an increase in economic output for
the West Yorkshire Region from £460m to £940m. As the vast majority of employees that workat LBA live in
West Yorkshire, these economic benefits will directly benefit the West Yorkshire Region.
Reputational benefits will see the West Yorkshire Region become a serious contender on an international scale
helping to attract greater foreign direct investment and local growth funds.
The Planning Balance
LBA are currently operating under significantly outdated restrictions which limit the number of flights during the
nighttime period. These restrictions are out of date with current CAA, DfT and government policy and place LBA
at a competitive disadvantage compared to other UK regional airports.
Passenger demand is forecast to grow and both the government and LCC support growth at LBA , so long as this
is undertaken in a sustainable manner that balances economic success with environmental protection.
Regularising the controls will incentivise airlines to base their most modern, energy efficient, and quietest aircraft
at LBA. This subsequently improves connectivity and supports further economic growth in the West Yorkshire
Region , whilst minimising noise and carbon emission effects.
Doing nothing will fail to attract these quieter and cleaner aircraft, will hinder the ability to achieve the economic
potential of LBA, and delay delivery of the environmental benefits (noise, air quality and carbon emissions).
There are a range of economic, social and environmental benefits that weigh heavily in favour of the proposals.
These will either not materialise or be significantly delayed if the controls are not modernised.
