Agenda item

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer relating to the Forecourt Management Plan (condition 14 of application 08/06944/FU) for terminal extension.

(report attached)

The report of the Chief Planning Officer reminded Members of the application to discharge condition 14 of the Forecourt Management Plan for Terminal Extension at Leeds Bradford International Airport, Whitehouse Lane, Yeadon.  The application had previously been discussed at the meeting of plans Panel West held on 14 June when it had been deferred to allow officers to negotiate improved pick up and drop off proposals at the airport.

Members attention was brought to the revised proposals for pick up and drop off at the airport as detailed in the report. Revised plan drawings and photographs were displayed.  The following issues were highlighted:

• Routes in and out of the airport were explained.  The revised proposals would mean that there was no longer a need to travel through the long stay parking area.
• Comparison to arrangements at other airports in the UK.
• Increased activity at the airport – reintroduction of the Heathrow link and Monarch Airlines using the airport would increase the demand for car parking.
• The need for improved signage in and around the airport.  New signage was unlikely to be agreed with the Department for Transport
• There would be no free provision on the forecourt.
• Representations received regarding the application including those of local Ward Members.
• Traffic enforcement on Whitehouse Lane – there were recognised problems with parking and movement and enforcement would be carried out.  Existing regulations allowed vehicles to stop on Whitehouse Lane and discussions were being undertaken to determine whether the Traffic Regulation Order could be modified.
• Works had commenced for restrictions on Victoria Avenue.
• From a highways perspective, it was felt that the revised proposals offered an improvement in terms of directing traffic off Whitehouse Lane and the need for improved signage was reiterated.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following issues were discussed:

• Current restrictions on Whitehouse Lane allowed passengers to be dropped off and picked up but vehicles were not allowed to wait.  Further to concerns regarding the dropping off and picking up on Whitehouse Lane, it was reported that this was why the Traffic Regulation Order was being reviewed
• In response to concerns that the proposals would not offer enough space, it was reported that there would be opportunity to review this further through the Surface Access Strategy.
• Access for disabled people.
• Signage inside and outside the airport grounds.  Members were shown examples of what could be displayed on road signs.
• Concern that the revised proposals still did not address the issue of traffic circulation around the airport.

It was proposed to move the Officer’s recommendation.

RESOLVED – That Members agree to discharge condition 14 of planning permission 08/06944/FU subject to the provision and retention of the free 1 hour pick up and drop off area being provided as now proposed with a direct vehicular access from the current long stay exit and defined pedestrian route to the terminal building with appropriate signage on Whitehouse Lane and within the airport cartilage.  The works must be implemented within 6 months of the date of this resolution (with the exception of the signage on Whitehouse Lane) and these proposals be retained until such time as alternative arrangements can be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority through the review of the Masterplan and Surface Strategy for LBIA.

That the detailed approval of the alterations to the access, signage, pedestrian walkway route for the revised 1 hour free dedicated area for passengers dropping and picking up as shown in plan CTDAAJP007/FMP/001 , the details of the other signage within the site regarding for provision for customers who are disabled and the timing of the implementation of the works be deferred and delegated to the Chief Planning Officer.