Stuart has today contributed to Leeds City Council’s consultation on road links to Leeds Bradford Airport.
Branding the three proposals as “completely inadequate” and a “piecemeal approach”, Stuart has renewed his calls for a rail, rather than road, link to the Airport.
Stuart highlighted that in meetings with the Airport, representatives have given many examples of times they have lost out on business and investment due to a lack of a rail link. Additionally, the Council’s proposals raise further concerns about development on the greenbelt in the Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough constituency, just after Stuart suggested a complete rethink was required for the Council’s site allocations plan.
In his response to the consultation, Stuart wrote:
“With Government investment in northern infrastructure, now is the time to support a rail, rather than road, link. A rail service from LBIA to the existing Leeds, Horsforth and Harrogate line would mean a journey time of as little as nine minutes would be possible from the city centre. This can form part of a more joined-up approach to rail travel across Leeds, making use of the benefits of the upcoming HS2 line and the redevelopment of Leeds station. For this opportunity to be missed, by only providing a link road to the Airport, would be a real shame.”
Stuart has also said:
“My constituents who have contacted me about this have overwhelmingly agreed that a rail link is the way forward to support the Airport in its plans for growth. I would urge the Council to rethink these plans, and liaise with groups like Transport for the North, who have a duty to ensure the very best infrastructure in the north. Connecting one of the north’s fastest growing airports surely needs to form part of this investment.”
“I will continue to push for a rail link, and most recently met with Andrew Jones at the Department for Transport to discuss the plans. I was encouraged that he agreed to look further at the issue.”
For a copy of Stuart's response to the Council's consultation, please click the link below: