By David Spereall, local democracy reporter
Leeds Bradford Airport is “fully co-operating” with an investigation into claims it ran too many night flights this summer, local councillors have been told.
Campaigners Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) alleged earlier this month that the airport breached strict limits around night-time activity during holiday season.
The limits are in place on take-offs and landings between 11am and 7pm to protect residents living under the flight paths going to and from the airport.
But GALBA claims there were 600 more take-offs and landings than was allowed between March 27 and October 30.
Leeds City Council has started an investigation into the allegations, which were raised at a full council meeting on Wednesday by Liberal Democrat Chris Howley.
The local authority confirmed it was aware of the allegations and that the probe was ongoing.
But Helen Hayden, the council’s executive member for infrastructure, said: “It would be premature to comment on the details at this stage other than to say we are investigating.
“The council is working closely with Leeds Bradford Airport, who are fully co-operating with the process to obtain the necessary flight information, in order to assess the complaints and ascertain if any breach has occurred.”
When the allegation was first reported, Leeds Bradford Airport said it took its responsibilities “seriously” and that it would continue to report data on its flights openly and transparently.
I could definitely hear them taking off every few minutes in the middle of the night during the summer. I have no problem believing this to be true.
I counted 4 within an hour. In the early hours of the morning. And this was not just a one-off. I live on the flight path opposite Burley Park.