Leeds Bradford Airport and North West Leeds Employment Hub: access improvements

We are developing revised proposals for improving connectivity around Leeds Bradford Airport and the proposed North West Leeds Employment Hub.

We're working together with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and partners including Bradford Council on improved transport proposals.

Our consultation findings

We consulted on three possible options to improve transport links to Leeds Bradford Airport. These plans included building a new parkway train station for the airport and increased road access. 

Plans for a new train station received support during the consultation. However, none of the road proposals received clear backing. We have also since declared a climate emergency and committed to becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030.

A new, greener plan

Due to a lack of support for the road plans and concerns about their environmental impact, we’ve decided to create a new plan which promotes more sustainable travel to the airport. Our proposals include:

  • a new parkway station on the Leeds to Harrogate line for the airport and for commuters
  • new park and ride facilities into Leeds
  • creating a new North West Leeds Employment Hub to create jobs
  • a road connecting to the new parkway station
  • road access for the new North West Leeds Employment Hub site
  • walking and cycling routes from the new station to the employment hub
  • less impact on green field and green belt land than previous proposals

A report on these proposals was taken to the Leeds City Council Executive Board on 7 January 2020. You can also read more about our plans on our press release.

Scotland Lane and Whitehouse Lane sustainable transport improvements

Leeds City Council has recently finished a period of public consultation on proposals to improve sustainable transport connections along Whitehouse Lane and Scotland Lane.

These proposals form the first phase of the revised connectivity package which supports better connections for public transport and active travel between the proposed parkway rail station, the proposed North West Leeds Employment Hub, Leeds Bradford Airport, and surrounding communities.

By improving sustainable and active travel connections in the area, the council aims to unlock investment and inclusive growth opportunities and encourage more people to walk, cycle and use public transport.

The current proposals include:

  • a new high quality active travel link along the full length of Whitehouse Lane
  • a new access road from Whitehouse Lane into the proposed employment hub with a turnaround facility
  • a new priority roundabout on Whitehouse Lane for the access road
  • minor junction alterations to accommodate active travel where Dean Lane meets Whitehouse Lane
  • active travel to continue along Scotland Lane to Whitehouse Lane junction (preferred option) or routing active travel through the airport (alternate option)

The consultation has also gathered views on potential future phases of work opportunities to reduce through traffic along Dean Lane and Scotland Lane, a possible junction upgrade to accommodate demand from the proposed employment hub and parkway station, and a 'spine road' through the proposed employment hub.

More information is available.

If your property is affected by our plans

If your property will be affected by any of the proposals we will get in touch with you directly.

Keep updated with this project

If you want to keep up to date with our plans, join our mailing list by emailing ConnectingLeeds@leeds.gov.uk.

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