CAMPAIGNERS against expansion at Leeds Bradford Airport are celebrating victory after a controversial planning application was withdrawn.

The Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) gave its reaction after LBA announced it was scrapping plans for a new terminal building .

Chris Foren, chair of GALBA, said:“This is a victory for our climate and our communities - we are delighted that LBA has acknowledged defeat. It means that LBA cannot extend daytime flying hours nor remove night time flying controls. As they said in their own planning application, this means they don't have the capacity to increase passenger numbers above 5 million a year.”

“Make no mistake, this victory is down to the thousands of people who took action, donated funds and never gave up hope that we CAN make the right decisions today to build a better tomorrow. GALBA would like to say a massive ‘thank you’ to everyone who has backed our campaign.”

He added:“We will keep a close eye on what the airport’s Australian owners do next. We will act again if they try to break any rules. We remain ready to continue the fight to protect our climate and communities. But for today, we’re celebrating success.”

But the news was not welcomed by everyone. Otley and Yeadon councillor Sandy Lay said: "I am very disappointed in LBA’s decision. We desperately need a new, modern, expanded terminal and LBA made much of this in their submission outlining the benefits around sustainability, corporate responsibility  and how the new investment in a ‘climate-friendly’ Terminal had widespread support at the airport, in the local economy and across the region. I would still hope that LBA, when things settle down, will come forward with a new application for a BREEM quality Terminal because we need it. A failure to do so will not give its customers, the wider community and the climate the infrastructure it and the planet needs."