Leeds, UK – September 26, 2023 – Alex Sobel, Member of Parliament for Leeds North West, has today written to Vincent Hodder Chief Executive Officer of Leeds Bradford Airport addressing the concerns raised by local residents regarding the potential changes to summer night flights following the recent Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development (CLEUD) applications submitted to Leeds City Council.
Alex said, ‘I acknowledge the widespread interest and concern among local residents regarding these applications, I attribute this concern to the lack of public warning and the absence of an opportunity for public comment or democratic decision-making by councillors in the application process.’
One of the main concerns expressed by Alex and his constituents in Leeds North West and neighbouring areas is the potential bypassing of more extensive planning processes that typically include public consultations. This concern is particularly relevant in the context of potential changes to night flights at Leeds Bradford Airport.
The current process for these applications restricts participation to Leeds City Council, effectively excluding the public and other elected representatives. This limited involvement has resulted in confusion among the public about the proposed changes, prompting Mr. Sobel to call for clarity and transparency.
Alex emphasised ‘We must have clarity on providing a clear and straightforward explanation in plain language about the airport's objectives, the rationale behind choosing this specific process, and how the airport intends to engage with nearby communities.’
To better understand the concerns of his constituents, Mr. Sobel intends to conduct a survey to ensure he is fully engaged with their worries.
In light of these concerns, Alex urges all stakeholders to come together to facilitate a transparent and community-engaged dialogue regarding night flights at Leeds Bradford Airport.
Alex said ‘I am also calling on Mr Hodder (CEO) at Leeds Bradford Airport for the public release of the same data on night flights that is supplied to the council.’
‘The ultimate goal is to ensure that any decisions made regarding night flights at Leeds Airport are aligned with the best interests of the community.’
Mr. Sobel acknowledges the controversial nature of the issue of summer night flights in Leeds North West and stresses the importance of ongoing dialogue to address the concerns of his constituents.
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Notes to the Editor:
Certificate of Existing Lawful Development to confirm immunity against enforcement of the departure of aircraft with a quota count of 1 pursuant to Condition 4 of permission 07/02208/FU - Leeds And Bradford Airport Victoria Avenue Yeadon Leeds LS19 7TU
Certificate of Existing Lawful Development to confirm that Condition 6(a) and 6(b) of permission 07/02208/FU do not cover aircraft with a quota count of less than 0.5 - Leeds And Bradford Airport Victoria Avenue Yeadon Leeds LS19 7TU
Certificate of Existing Lawful Development to confirm immunity against enforcement of any prohibition of movements of aircraft with a quota count of 0.25 during the night-time period - Leeds And Bradford Airport Victoria Avenue Yeadon Leeds LS19 7TU
Certificate of Existing Lawful Development to confirm that 'exempt' is defined in Condition 6(e) of permission 07/02208/FU, by reference to the provisions of UK NOTAM S45/1993 (without updates) - Leeds And Bradford Airport Victoria Avenue Yeadon Leeds LS19 7TU
Certificate of Existing Lawful Development to confirm that condition 9 of permission 07/02208/FU allows delayed and emergency flights to land during the night time period regardless of their quota count, and such flights do not count against the cap on night time movements in condition 7. - Leeds And Bradford Airport Victoria Avenue Yeadon Leeds LS19 7TU
