Remember, it's LBA you're talking about. I doubt there is any other airport in the UK that has had as many hurdles to over come in it's lifetime!
Multi-Quote Quote
Leeds Bradford: Airport Application To Amend Night Flying Quota Methodology
- Thread starter YankeeDelta
- Start date
- Tagged users None
Use this prefix for new threads for Leeds Bradford Airport
Multi-Quote Quote
Finger66
Well-Known Member
Exactly @Pudseylad that's why I asked the question I did
White Heather
Elite Pro-Member
I wrote to LBA this morning to enquire about the previously stated intention to submit a planning application re night restrictions if the NIMBY group did not appeal the CLEUD outcome. I have had a holding response confirming no such appeal was made and stating that an update will be issued to ACC members seperately in the near future. I will share this, if doing so is permissible.
Thanks for the update really appreciated
White Heather
Elite Pro-Member
OK, here we have it. ACC members were notified of this a week ago but were instructed to keep it embargoed until the Council had responded. Now, they have, and this application is now publicly available on the Council's planning portal so I am able to inform you. It goes without saying that your support for the proposals to the council is vital. The application reference number is in the message below.
Re: Section 73 Planning Application
An update from Vincent Hodder, CEO, Leeds Bradford Airport
I’m writing to update you on a planning application that Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) submitted on Monday 17 August and which was validated by Leeds City Council today.
Now that our application has been validated, its details are now publicly available and have been published on the Leeds City Council planning portal under 26/04635/FU.
LBA is proposing a Section 73 application to vary planning permission P/07/02208/FU, which sets the operational controls for night flights at the airport. The existing conditions, which cap the number of aircraft movements during the 2300–0659 night-time period, are now well over 30 years old. They no longer reflect current Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Department of Transport (DfT) and government aviation policy, they give airlines no incentive to modernise their fleets operating out of our airport, and place LBA at a competitive disadvantage against other UK regional airports. LBA is one of very few airports left in the UK operating under this outdated and antiquated regime which does not address people’s main concern, noise.
We want to move forward with a modern, future-fit system; one that matches airports across the rest of the UK and Europe and is compliant with current government and CAA guidance.
The application proposes to replace the existing seasonal movement limits with a fixed noise quota count cap, applied annually across a revised night-time period of 2330–0559 – in line with the operational hours used at most other UK airports. This shift from movement-based controls to a noise-based system is designed to incentivise airlines to base quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft at LBA.
Importantly, our application also proposes the introduction of a night noise insulation scheme where LBA would be supporting eligible households with grants towards measures including glazing, insulation and for the first time in the UK, air-conditioning.
We believe the proposals offer the following benefits:
reduced noise impact on local communities, supported by a new night noise insulation scheme.
lower emissions, reduced particulate air pollution and lower aircraft fuel demand.
over 5,500 new jobs and an increase in economic output for the West Yorkshire region from £460m to £940m, with most employment benefits felt locally.
● a stronger platform for the West Yorkshire region to attract foreign direct investment and local growth funding.
A Q&A setting out the proposals, the rationale and the planning balance is attached for your reference.
If you would like to add anything or feel we have missed something out, please let me know and we will continue to grow this document together.
Keeping you informed
We want to make sure our stakeholders and local communities have clear, accessible information as this process moves forward. To support this, we will soon be launching:
a proactive press release to local and regional media, laying out the overarching benefits of our proposal.
an independent economic impact report, setting out in detail the employment and economic benefits our proposals are expected to deliver for West Yorkshire and beyond.
● a customer focused social media campaign, including an animation explaining our proposals in plain English and what they mean for local residents, customers and businesses.
We will share links to these as soon as they are live and would welcome the opportunity to brief you or your team in more detail beforehand if that would be helpful.
If you would like to arrange a 121 briefing, please contact our Director of External Affairs Joselyn Jones ([email protected]).
In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to discuss them further, please do get in touch with Kunaal Wharfe [email protected] or Charles Johnson [email protected]
Best wishes,
Vincent
Vincent Hodder
CEO
Leeds Bradford Airport
[email protected]
Joselyn Jones
Director of External
Leeds Bradford Airport
Section 73 Planning Application Q&A
Overview
What is Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) applying for?
A Section 73 (s73) application is the mechanism under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for
varying the conditions attached to an existing planning permission, rather than seeking a new
permission from scratch. LBA has submitted a s73 application to update the conditions controlling
night flights at the airport. The application proposes to replace the current cap on the number of night
flights with a system based on aircraft noise, introduce a revised night-time period, and establish a
new Night Noise Insulation Scheme (NNIS) for eligible local properties.
Why is this change needed?
The current night flight controls are over 30 years old and were established under a planning
permission from January 1994. They cap the number of aircraft movements rather than the noise
those movements generate. This means a quiet modern aircraft counts the same as a noisier older
one. This gives airlines no incentive to bring quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft to LBA, and leaves
LBA out of step with modern regional airport practice and current CAA and government policy on
aviation noise. LBA is one of very few airports left in the UK using this outdated and antiquated regime
which ultimately does not address what people are most concerned with, noise.
Why is this change needed now?
Three things are converging. First, LBA was granted a Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or
Development (CLEUD) in May 2026, confirming additional lawful movement capacity that the current
1994-era conditions don’t reflect, making this the right moment to bring the whole regime up to date in
one step.
Second, most other UK regional airports have already moved to noise-based controls; LBA is one of
the last to modernise, and the longer this continues, the greater the competitive disadvantage in
attracting investment becomes.
Third, LBA’s Vision 2030 growth plans, and the wider West Yorkshire growth agenda under West
Yorkshire Combined Authority’s (WYCA) Local Growth Plan, depend on the airport being able to offer
airlines a modern, predictable regulatory framework. Aligning the night flight regime with that ambition
now avoids the regulatory ceiling becoming a barrier to growth already being planned for.
What are the benefits of the proposal?
The proposal brings benefits across different areas:
Community : the proposed 10-year Night Noise Insulation Scheme directly benefits eligible
households near the airport, and improved connectivity reduces the need for passengers to travel to
more distant airports.
Environmental : by incentivising quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft, the proposals support lower CO2
emissions, reduced air pollution, and lower fuel demand, alongside LBA’s existing Net Zero in Scopes
1 and 2 by 2030 commitment.
Economic : LBA already delivers £460m in Gross Value Add (GVA) to the West Yorkshire economy
and supports 6,600 jobs. Vision 2030 forecasts this rising to £940m and 12,100 jobs, achieved
entirely through private investment.
Regional : a modernised LBA strengthens Yorkshire’s position as a destination for international
investment, events, and tourism.
How the system works
What is changing about the night-time hours?
Leeds Bradford Airport
Section 73 Planning Application Q&A
The application proposes to revise the night-time period from the current 23:00–06:59 to 23:30–05:59.
This aligns LBA with the operating patterns of most other UK regional airports.
What is a Quota Count (QC) noise system and how does it differ from a movement cap?
LBA currently operates under a movement cap which limits the number of flights that can operate at
night, regardless of how loud or quiet each aircraft is.
A noise quota count cap instead limits the total noise budget available, so LBA’s night-time capacity is
governed by cumulative noise impact rather than by a simple flight count. Every aircraft type is given
a noise classification (Quota Count/QC) based on how loud it is on take-off and landing. Noisier
aircraft carry a higher count. LBA will retain the existing cap limiting the noisiest aircraft that can use
the airport to QC1.Airlines that fly quieter aircraft use up less of that budget, creating a direct
commercial incentive to base and operate newer, quieter fleets at LBA.
Will overall noise increase?
No. This is a change to how the existing noise limit is allocated, not an increase in the overall amount
of noise permitted. The application proposes a fixed annual noise quota, set to match LBA's existing
noise footprint. Because quieter aircraft carry a lower noise ‘cost’ against that quota, more of them
can operate within the same overall noise budget – but the total permitted noise does not rise.
Community and Environmental
What does this mean for local residents?
The total amount of noise LBA is permitted to generate at night does not increase. The proposal
reallocates the existing noise budget to reward quieter aircraft, so the overall level of noise
experienced should not rise. Eligible households gain new support – LBA is proposing to introduce a
10-year Night Noise Insulation Scheme offering grants towards measures including glazing,
ventilation and bedroom air-conditioning.
What support will be available for residents affected by noise?
The proposed Night Noise Insulation Scheme would prioritise support as follows:
• Priority 1: Residential institution properties (e.g. care homes)
• Priority 2: Residential properties with 3 or more bedrooms
• Priority 3: Residential properties with fewer than 3 bedrooms
Within each priority band, properties closest to the midpoint of the runway are insulated first. Eligible
properties must be exposed to aircraft noise above the Significant Observed Adverse Effect Level
(SOAEL).
Eligible households can apply for a grant towards insulation measures. Residential Institutional
properties are funded on a bespoke basis. The proposed NNIS includes bedroom air-conditioning, an
innovative approach to noise mitigation not widely used elsewhere in the UK.
Section 73 process
Who will decide the application?
The application will be determined by Leeds City Council’s planning committee, in its role as the local
planning authority. In some cases, applications of this nature can be called in by the Secretary of
State for a decision at national level.
How can people comment on the application?
The application is being considered by Leeds City Council, as the local planning authority. Comments
can be submitted through the Council’s planning portal by searching for the application reference
number once it is available.
Re: Section 73 Planning Application
An update from Vincent Hodder, CEO, Leeds Bradford Airport
I’m writing to update you on a planning application that Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) submitted on Monday 17 August and which was validated by Leeds City Council today.
Now that our application has been validated, its details are now publicly available and have been published on the Leeds City Council planning portal under 26/04635/FU.
LBA is proposing a Section 73 application to vary planning permission P/07/02208/FU, which sets the operational controls for night flights at the airport. The existing conditions, which cap the number of aircraft movements during the 2300–0659 night-time period, are now well over 30 years old. They no longer reflect current Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Department of Transport (DfT) and government aviation policy, they give airlines no incentive to modernise their fleets operating out of our airport, and place LBA at a competitive disadvantage against other UK regional airports. LBA is one of very few airports left in the UK operating under this outdated and antiquated regime which does not address people’s main concern, noise.
We want to move forward with a modern, future-fit system; one that matches airports across the rest of the UK and Europe and is compliant with current government and CAA guidance.
The application proposes to replace the existing seasonal movement limits with a fixed noise quota count cap, applied annually across a revised night-time period of 2330–0559 – in line with the operational hours used at most other UK airports. This shift from movement-based controls to a noise-based system is designed to incentivise airlines to base quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft at LBA.
Importantly, our application also proposes the introduction of a night noise insulation scheme where LBA would be supporting eligible households with grants towards measures including glazing, insulation and for the first time in the UK, air-conditioning.
We believe the proposals offer the following benefits:
reduced noise impact on local communities, supported by a new night noise insulation scheme.
lower emissions, reduced particulate air pollution and lower aircraft fuel demand.
over 5,500 new jobs and an increase in economic output for the West Yorkshire region from £460m to £940m, with most employment benefits felt locally.
● a stronger platform for the West Yorkshire region to attract foreign direct investment and local growth funding.
A Q&A setting out the proposals, the rationale and the planning balance is attached for your reference.
If you would like to add anything or feel we have missed something out, please let me know and we will continue to grow this document together.
Keeping you informed
We want to make sure our stakeholders and local communities have clear, accessible information as this process moves forward. To support this, we will soon be launching:
a proactive press release to local and regional media, laying out the overarching benefits of our proposal.
an independent economic impact report, setting out in detail the employment and economic benefits our proposals are expected to deliver for West Yorkshire and beyond.
● a customer focused social media campaign, including an animation explaining our proposals in plain English and what they mean for local residents, customers and businesses.
We will share links to these as soon as they are live and would welcome the opportunity to brief you or your team in more detail beforehand if that would be helpful.
If you would like to arrange a 121 briefing, please contact our Director of External Affairs Joselyn Jones ([email protected]).
In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to discuss them further, please do get in touch with Kunaal Wharfe [email protected] or Charles Johnson [email protected]
Best wishes,
Vincent
Vincent Hodder
CEO
Leeds Bradford Airport
[email protected]
Joselyn Jones
Director of External
Leeds Bradford Airport
Section 73 Planning Application Q&A
Overview
What is Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) applying for?
A Section 73 (s73) application is the mechanism under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for
varying the conditions attached to an existing planning permission, rather than seeking a new
permission from scratch. LBA has submitted a s73 application to update the conditions controlling
night flights at the airport. The application proposes to replace the current cap on the number of night
flights with a system based on aircraft noise, introduce a revised night-time period, and establish a
new Night Noise Insulation Scheme (NNIS) for eligible local properties.
Why is this change needed?
The current night flight controls are over 30 years old and were established under a planning
permission from January 1994. They cap the number of aircraft movements rather than the noise
those movements generate. This means a quiet modern aircraft counts the same as a noisier older
one. This gives airlines no incentive to bring quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft to LBA, and leaves
LBA out of step with modern regional airport practice and current CAA and government policy on
aviation noise. LBA is one of very few airports left in the UK using this outdated and antiquated regime
which ultimately does not address what people are most concerned with, noise.
Why is this change needed now?
Three things are converging. First, LBA was granted a Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or
Development (CLEUD) in May 2026, confirming additional lawful movement capacity that the current
1994-era conditions don’t reflect, making this the right moment to bring the whole regime up to date in
one step.
Second, most other UK regional airports have already moved to noise-based controls; LBA is one of
the last to modernise, and the longer this continues, the greater the competitive disadvantage in
attracting investment becomes.
Third, LBA’s Vision 2030 growth plans, and the wider West Yorkshire growth agenda under West
Yorkshire Combined Authority’s (WYCA) Local Growth Plan, depend on the airport being able to offer
airlines a modern, predictable regulatory framework. Aligning the night flight regime with that ambition
now avoids the regulatory ceiling becoming a barrier to growth already being planned for.
What are the benefits of the proposal?
The proposal brings benefits across different areas:
Community : the proposed 10-year Night Noise Insulation Scheme directly benefits eligible
households near the airport, and improved connectivity reduces the need for passengers to travel to
more distant airports.
Environmental : by incentivising quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft, the proposals support lower CO2
emissions, reduced air pollution, and lower fuel demand, alongside LBA’s existing Net Zero in Scopes
1 and 2 by 2030 commitment.
Economic : LBA already delivers £460m in Gross Value Add (GVA) to the West Yorkshire economy
and supports 6,600 jobs. Vision 2030 forecasts this rising to £940m and 12,100 jobs, achieved
entirely through private investment.
Regional : a modernised LBA strengthens Yorkshire’s position as a destination for international
investment, events, and tourism.
How the system works
What is changing about the night-time hours?
Leeds Bradford Airport
Section 73 Planning Application Q&A
The application proposes to revise the night-time period from the current 23:00–06:59 to 23:30–05:59.
This aligns LBA with the operating patterns of most other UK regional airports.
What is a Quota Count (QC) noise system and how does it differ from a movement cap?
LBA currently operates under a movement cap which limits the number of flights that can operate at
night, regardless of how loud or quiet each aircraft is.
A noise quota count cap instead limits the total noise budget available, so LBA’s night-time capacity is
governed by cumulative noise impact rather than by a simple flight count. Every aircraft type is given
a noise classification (Quota Count/QC) based on how loud it is on take-off and landing. Noisier
aircraft carry a higher count. LBA will retain the existing cap limiting the noisiest aircraft that can use
the airport to QC1.Airlines that fly quieter aircraft use up less of that budget, creating a direct
commercial incentive to base and operate newer, quieter fleets at LBA.
Will overall noise increase?
No. This is a change to how the existing noise limit is allocated, not an increase in the overall amount
of noise permitted. The application proposes a fixed annual noise quota, set to match LBA's existing
noise footprint. Because quieter aircraft carry a lower noise ‘cost’ against that quota, more of them
can operate within the same overall noise budget – but the total permitted noise does not rise.
Community and Environmental
What does this mean for local residents?
The total amount of noise LBA is permitted to generate at night does not increase. The proposal
reallocates the existing noise budget to reward quieter aircraft, so the overall level of noise
experienced should not rise. Eligible households gain new support – LBA is proposing to introduce a
10-year Night Noise Insulation Scheme offering grants towards measures including glazing,
ventilation and bedroom air-conditioning.
What support will be available for residents affected by noise?
The proposed Night Noise Insulation Scheme would prioritise support as follows:
• Priority 1: Residential institution properties (e.g. care homes)
• Priority 2: Residential properties with 3 or more bedrooms
• Priority 3: Residential properties with fewer than 3 bedrooms
Within each priority band, properties closest to the midpoint of the runway are insulated first. Eligible
properties must be exposed to aircraft noise above the Significant Observed Adverse Effect Level
(SOAEL).
Eligible households can apply for a grant towards insulation measures. Residential Institutional
properties are funded on a bespoke basis. The proposed NNIS includes bedroom air-conditioning, an
innovative approach to noise mitigation not widely used elsewhere in the UK.
Section 73 process
Who will decide the application?
The application will be determined by Leeds City Council’s planning committee, in its role as the local
planning authority. In some cases, applications of this nature can be called in by the Secretary of
State for a decision at national level.
How can people comment on the application?
The application is being considered by Leeds City Council, as the local planning authority. Comments
can be submitted through the Council’s planning portal by searching for the application reference
number once it is available.
Last edited:
Finger66
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately unable to comment officially/legally as I don't have an LS postcode. And with nothing on the Bradford Gov website that is no help there. However I think you all know LBA has my full support with this
White Heather
Elite Pro-Member
I dont see why that should stop you. There are parts of Leeds that have a BD or WF postcode, just as there are parts of Bradford with an LS postcode. When the Support Group collected support for 24H ops in 1993, we collected it from all over the region, not just Leeds, and the Council accepted them all. LBA is a regional asset so the region should be able to have a say.
You will recall that for Project Sky, our NIMBY friends had the suppprt in their anti LBA battle from as far away as Southampton, so you not being a Leeds resident should not stop you supporting this unless someone has changed the rules!
Finger66
Well-Known Member
It unfortunately stops me because my BD postcode is not that near to the Leeds boundary and when I put my postcode in it says no address found and won't let me proceed without an address on @White Heather perhaps you could feed that back to LBA to see if there is another way we can voice our support - perhaps even by using the airports postcode?
White Heather
Elite Pro-Member
I have written to LBA to seek clarification. I will let you know their response. Perhaps you will need to express support in writing via Royal Mail if the Planning Portal has restrictions based on postcode. However, the likes of Baildon, Keighley etc. are impacted by this and have BD postcodes, so it seems unlikely that residents cannot comment, unless the fact this is a S73 amendment to an existing planning approval (rather rhan a new planning application) makes some sort of difference.
- Admin
- #830
With assitance of CoPilot
Planning Services
Leeds City Council
Merrion House
11 Merrion Centre
Leeds
LS2 8BB
Date: 24 August 2026
Representation Submission on Behalf of: Leeds Bradford Airport Support Group (LBASG)
Subject: Formal Response in Support of Application for Variation of Planning Conditions Governing Night-Time Aircraft Operations (Transition to a Seasonal Quota Count System) at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
Executive Statement of Support
The Leeds Bradford Airport Support Group (LBASG) writes to register its strong and unequivocal support for the planning application submitted by Leeds Bradford Airport to modernise its night-time operational controls through the implementation of a Seasonal Quota Count (QC) System.
As an organisation representing local residents, business supporters, passengers, and regional stakeholders who advocate for a balanced, sustainable, and economically viable regional airport, LBASG considers this proposal an essential step forward. Replacing the legacy 1990s movement-cap framework with a modern acoustic energy envelope aligns LBA with national best practice, rewards investment in quieter aircraft, and provides tangible environmental benefits for surrounding communities.
Key Grounds for Support
1. Incentivising Fleet Modernisation & Accelerating Quiet Aircraft Deployment
Under the current, outdated regime, a physical movement cap treats all aircraft equally, regardless of how much noise they generate. An older, louder legacy aircraft consumes the exact same single "slot" as a state-of-the-art, re-engined modern airliner.
The Quota Count system directly addresses this flaw by pricing acoustic performance into operational access:
Acoustic Rating: Modern aircraft—such as the Airbus A320/A321neo family and Boeing 737 MAX series currently being deployed by LBA’s core airline partners—achieve significantly lower QC ratings (e.g., QC/0.25 or QC/0.5) compared to legacy fleets (QC/1 or higher).
Commercial Incentive: Because quieter aircraft draw down significantly less quota from the seasonal budget, airlines are given a direct, commercial incentive to base their quietest, newest aircraft at LBA.
2. Tangible Reduction in Local Noise Footprint
The primary concern for residents living under flight paths during sensitive hours (23:00 to 07:00) is peak sound levels and overall noise energy.
Modern aircraft types introduced via QC incentives feature advanced ultra-high-bypass engines and aerodynamic modifications that reduce the acoustic footprint area on the ground by up to 50% compared to the aircraft types common when the original planning conditions were set.
By placing a hard, seasonal ceiling on total noise energy (the QC budget), the council secures a regulatory mechanism that actively caps the environmental impact, rather than just counting airframes.
3. Decarbonisation and Local Air Quality Benefits
The transition to a QC system delivers environmental advantages that extend beyond acoustics:
Carbon Emissions: The next-generation aircraft incentivised by a QC regime deliver a 15% to 20% reduction in fuel burn and CO_2 emissions per seat-kilometre compared to previous-generation models.
Air Quality: Newer engine designs significantly reduce emissions of Nitrogen Oxides (NO_x) and unburnt hydrocarbons, contributing to better localised air quality across Yeadon, Rawdon, Guiseley, Horsforth, and the wider Wharfe and Aire valleys.
4. Safeguarding Regional Connectivity & Economic Resilience
Leeds Bradford Airport is a vital engine for the West Yorkshire economy, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs and connecting the region to key European business and leisure destinations. Operational flexibility during early morning and late evening shoulder periods is critical to maintaining low-cost and network carrier base operations in the region.
A Seasonal QC framework provides the airport and its airline operators with the predictability required to plan long-term investment in Yorkshire, without increasing the overall acoustic burden on the surrounding communities.
5. Alignment with National Policy Standards
The QC framework is the standardised, UK CAA-recognised method for managing airport night noise, successfully utilised at major UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester. Updating LBA's regulatory controls to this standard brings the airport into full alignment with the UK Government's Aviation Policy Framework and Aviation 2050 objectives.
Conclusion
The proposed variation of conditions represents a win-win scenario for both the local community and the regional economy. It moves LBA away from an arbitrary, inefficient counting system and replaces it with a dynamic, environmentally progressive mechanism that actively drives down noise levels and emissions.
On behalf of the Leeds Bradford Airport Support Group, we strongly urge the Planning Committee to approve this application.
Yours faithfully,
Leeds Bradford Airport Support Group (LBASG)
Representative Submission
Planning Services
Leeds City Council
Merrion House
11 Merrion Centre
Leeds
LS2 8BB
Date: 24 August 2026
Representation Submission on Behalf of: Leeds Bradford Airport Support Group (LBASG)
Subject: Formal Response in Support of Application for Variation of Planning Conditions Governing Night-Time Aircraft Operations (Transition to a Seasonal Quota Count System) at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
Executive Statement of Support
The Leeds Bradford Airport Support Group (LBASG) writes to register its strong and unequivocal support for the planning application submitted by Leeds Bradford Airport to modernise its night-time operational controls through the implementation of a Seasonal Quota Count (QC) System.
As an organisation representing local residents, business supporters, passengers, and regional stakeholders who advocate for a balanced, sustainable, and economically viable regional airport, LBASG considers this proposal an essential step forward. Replacing the legacy 1990s movement-cap framework with a modern acoustic energy envelope aligns LBA with national best practice, rewards investment in quieter aircraft, and provides tangible environmental benefits for surrounding communities.
Key Grounds for Support
1. Incentivising Fleet Modernisation & Accelerating Quiet Aircraft Deployment
Under the current, outdated regime, a physical movement cap treats all aircraft equally, regardless of how much noise they generate. An older, louder legacy aircraft consumes the exact same single "slot" as a state-of-the-art, re-engined modern airliner.
The Quota Count system directly addresses this flaw by pricing acoustic performance into operational access:
Acoustic Rating: Modern aircraft—such as the Airbus A320/A321neo family and Boeing 737 MAX series currently being deployed by LBA’s core airline partners—achieve significantly lower QC ratings (e.g., QC/0.25 or QC/0.5) compared to legacy fleets (QC/1 or higher).
Commercial Incentive: Because quieter aircraft draw down significantly less quota from the seasonal budget, airlines are given a direct, commercial incentive to base their quietest, newest aircraft at LBA.
2. Tangible Reduction in Local Noise Footprint
The primary concern for residents living under flight paths during sensitive hours (23:00 to 07:00) is peak sound levels and overall noise energy.
Modern aircraft types introduced via QC incentives feature advanced ultra-high-bypass engines and aerodynamic modifications that reduce the acoustic footprint area on the ground by up to 50% compared to the aircraft types common when the original planning conditions were set.
By placing a hard, seasonal ceiling on total noise energy (the QC budget), the council secures a regulatory mechanism that actively caps the environmental impact, rather than just counting airframes.
3. Decarbonisation and Local Air Quality Benefits
The transition to a QC system delivers environmental advantages that extend beyond acoustics:
Carbon Emissions: The next-generation aircraft incentivised by a QC regime deliver a 15% to 20% reduction in fuel burn and CO_2 emissions per seat-kilometre compared to previous-generation models.
Air Quality: Newer engine designs significantly reduce emissions of Nitrogen Oxides (NO_x) and unburnt hydrocarbons, contributing to better localised air quality across Yeadon, Rawdon, Guiseley, Horsforth, and the wider Wharfe and Aire valleys.
4. Safeguarding Regional Connectivity & Economic Resilience
Leeds Bradford Airport is a vital engine for the West Yorkshire economy, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs and connecting the region to key European business and leisure destinations. Operational flexibility during early morning and late evening shoulder periods is critical to maintaining low-cost and network carrier base operations in the region.
A Seasonal QC framework provides the airport and its airline operators with the predictability required to plan long-term investment in Yorkshire, without increasing the overall acoustic burden on the surrounding communities.
5. Alignment with National Policy Standards
The QC framework is the standardised, UK CAA-recognised method for managing airport night noise, successfully utilised at major UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester. Updating LBA's regulatory controls to this standard brings the airport into full alignment with the UK Government's Aviation Policy Framework and Aviation 2050 objectives.
Conclusion
The proposed variation of conditions represents a win-win scenario for both the local community and the regional economy. It moves LBA away from an arbitrary, inefficient counting system and replaces it with a dynamic, environmentally progressive mechanism that actively drives down noise levels and emissions.
On behalf of the Leeds Bradford Airport Support Group, we strongly urge the Planning Committee to approve this application.
Yours faithfully,
Leeds Bradford Airport Support Group (LBASG)
Representative Submission
Finger66
Well-Known Member
Thanks @White Heather and in the meantime if anyone else has a workaround please feel free to let me know
White Heather
Elite Pro-Member
Reply from LBA below.....
Heather
Anybody is able to comment on the application regardless of their postcode. This is more likely to be a glitch in the postcode verification. They could always comment direct via the [email protected] email address putting their name and reference number of the application in the title header, or write direct to planning services –
Planning Services
Leeds City Council
Merrion House
110 Merrion Centre
Leeds
LS2 8BB
White Heather
Elite Pro-Member
Please see my previous post.
dmrodgers
Active Member
- Jun 22, 2010
- 433
- 113
Submitted my support on the Leeds City Council portal. We need as many to give their support as White Heather has said as I notice currently there are more objection than those supporting the application. No doubt 'those who we shall not mention' are currently phoning everyone they know to object so this may be just a short term blip until the number ssettle down. The airport needs everyone support.
Why does that stop you? You are allowed to comment on ANY planning application no , matter where you live.
You can use mine…..LS29 9JR
Everytime I press make a comment nothing happens!
Last edited:
HX3
Well-Known Member
It was the same for me, so I sent my support via the email link that White Heather posted.
Sherburnflyer92
Elite-Member
There already kicking off. “More night movements” - with what fu**ing stands you set of inbred morons.
Just done my bit and my comments were accepted despite me living in a Wakefield (WF) postcode. I note that the planning reference is 26/04635/FU, the last two letters being very appropriate when dealing with those we don’t mention.
Similar threads
- Locked
Remove Advertisements
Subscribe to help support your favourite forum and in return we'll remove all our advertisements. Your contribution will help to pay for things like site maintenance, domain name renewals and annual server charges.
Trending Hashtags
-
#LiverpoolJohnLennonWeight: 3
-
#liverpoolairportWeight: 2
-
#Jet2Weight: 2
-
#EasyJetRoutesWeight: 1
-
#laviationWeight: 1
-
#EasyJetWeight: 1