Residents set to face more noise caused by airport

HUNDREDS OF residents will have to contend with increased aircraft noise if proposed flight path changes at Leeds Bradford Airport get the go-ahead.

Airport bosses have launched a public consultation on plans to revise the airspace that is used by planes arriving at and departing from Leeds Bradford.

The airport says the changes would lead to an overall reduction in “noise impact” for local communities – but there would be some losers as well as winners.

Around 200 residents on six roads would find themselves living within Leeds Bradford’s amended 57-decibel daytime noise contour and exposed to sound levels which an airport report says have historically represented the onset of “significant community annoyance”.

The affected roads would be Lambert Terrace, Springfield Close and King George Road, all in Horsforth, West Chevin Road and Moor Top, both near Otley, and Banksfield Grove, near Yeadon.

The airport also says the changes would result in departures flying closer to, or over, some new areas, with Burley in Wharfedale and Baildon picked out as examples.

Al Siddoway, head of air traffic control at Leeds Bradford, said the aim was to “improve things” for the communities around the airport and stressed that he wanted to “fully engage” with residents.

Mr Siddoway added: “We would encourage interested parties to participate in this consultation process.”

The plans are part of a nationwide push towards the use of more accurate satellite-based navigation.

Consultation drop-in events will take place from 3pm to 8pm next Tuesday, September 26, at Yarnbury RFC on Brownberrie Lane in Horsforth and between the same times the following day at Highroyds Sports & Social Club on Guiseley Drive in Menston.

Around 5,100 people live within the current boundaries of the Leeds Bradford 57-decibel area.