Bosses at Leeds-Bradford International Airport have been told to stop breaching planning rules over noisy night-time flying.
A late-running Pakistan International Airline (PIA) flight to Islamabad has created all 32 breaches in the rules, which are aimed at protecting residents in neighbouring Aireborough, Horsforth and beyond from being disturbed by late-night flying between 11pm and 7am.
Councillors on the plans west committee have decided to write to the airport, warning them that further breaches will not be tolerated and demanding action to tackle the problem.
The airport says it is to bring the departure time of the long-haul flight forward, there will be fewer departures and the airline will use a quieter type of aircarft. LBIA is also working on a noise action plan for all flights. Problems with PIA included late arrival of the aircraft, technical problems and security incidents.
But councillors weren’t satisfied.
Labour councillor Elizabeth Nash said:
“Why should people have to put up with this? All those people who objected to the extension of the runway at Yeadon warned this sort of thing would happen and they were right.
“If this issue is not resolved, we will ahve to get tough on them.”
Between November 2007 and October 2008, 15 flights breached planning consent; between November 2008 until October 2009 there were 10 flights; and from November 2009 until February 2010 there were seven. The flight is scheduled to arrive at 7.25pm and depart at 9pm.
Planning chief Martin Sellens said that planner had tried to work with the airport, which had been trying to resolve the situation through negotiations through PIA.
