Airport lift-off

How Yorkshire can help London

THE AMBITIONS – and intentions – of bosses at Doncaster Sheffield Airport are laudable. Not only have they identified huge growth opportunities, but they’re also determined to be good neighbours. This is fundamental as its new masterplan is developed. If it is to succeed and lead to the significant expansion of passenger and freight flights, it’s important to work with the local community from the outset.

And, because the airport, and local leaders, recognise this, the public response to the initial consultation exercise has been largely favourable because residents feel involved and understand the potential economic benefits.

For, while new technology is intended make aircraft quieter, the airport has accepted that all future developments at the site should be the subject of mitigation measures to reduce noise.

This goodwill will be crucial as the plan is refined in the coming months, even more so if a successful case is to be made to the Government for a spur to be built off the East Coast Main Line to provide direct rail links to and from the airport terminal. In many respects, the regret is the extent to which aviation policy has been skewed by the debate over Heathrow’s third runway. Opportunities do exist in other parts of the UK and enhanced rail links to Doncaster Sheffield Airport could be a ‘win, win’ for both Yorkshire – and London.