People will have noticed over the last three months or so the increased noise from Aircraft flying out of Leeds Bradford Airport flying over Ben Rhydding, over the length of the Moor, the west of Ilkley and across occasionally the centre of Town.  As a result of public meetings held by the Airport, we understand this is regarding the slower rate of climb when the newer planes are operated, but these quieter planes are not yet here. 

Nothing was mentioned about the exit routes out of the Airport being redirected from the old rate of climb. The redirection has changed from the gap between Menston and Ben Rhydding for outward flights. Nor was anything mentioned regarding inbound routes between Ilkley West, Addingham, Bolton Abbey and Otley.

In order to avoid the previous steep climb and the 90 degree turn and save fuel, the aircraft are taking a straight line down the Wharfe Valley banking slightly and undertaking the turn. We estimate one in three aircraft are banking around the Cow and Calf Rocks, with the remaining aircraft carrying straight on along the moor top and eventually skirting Keighley - Burnley and finally meeting up with the Western seaboard routes around Manchester.

Residents [and anyone else effected] are at the moment being requested to sign a petition circulated by hand or online to the effect of requesting a meaningful meeting with the public on this issue of increased noise in our area due to the changes.

Previously Flights took off with a steeper climb and turned west in the lower populated areas between Menston and Ilkley. Now they turn almost overhead of the Cow and Calf Rocks with the resultant noise being directed over Ben Rhydding.

I have also, via my contacts at City Hall, asked for a liaison meeting with the Airport director of Airport developments so that these issues not explained in their previous public meetings can be addressed.

I believe we all agree improvements are needed to the fabric of the airport, but our  concerns that our complaints or comments are not being addressed with clarity.

On two occasions a Mr Nunns, a surveyor, and myself together with John Grogan MP have received inconclusive and disingenuous replies from Airport liaison to the effect of claiming we were reporting wrong aircraft when we have plots and images of the aircraft, also that the Radar was not operating  [sorry thought we were all on GPS now].

Let’s have this meeting Messrs airport to clarify what is now going happening within our area on a regular basis.

District Cllr Martin Smith for Ilkley