Leeds Bradford Airport Night-Time Flying Application Update

Council invites evidence on airport’s CLEUD application

Leeds City Council has announced the procedures it will follow in considering a new application from Leeds Bradford Airport concerning night-time flying operations. The application, submitted at the end of February 2026, seeks to establish the lawful status of take-offs and landings at night by certain aircraft types.

Details of the application

The airport’s submission is a Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development (CLEUD) application, which differs from a standard planning permission request. The CLEUD aims to confirm the legality of night-time flights by aircraft classified as producing less than 87 Effective Perceived Noise Decibels (EPNdB).

The council has published the full application on its public access planning system under reference number 26/00926/CLE. The evidence provided by the airport covers operations from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019.

Call for evidence from third parties

Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, local planning authorities may request factual evidence from third parties when assessing CLEUD applications. Leeds City Council has now opened a 21-day call for evidence period, inviting submissions relevant to the airport’s night-time flying activities during the specified timeframe.

The council emphasises that this call for evidence is not a public consultation. It does not seek general comments, objections, or opinions, as decisions on CLEUD applications must be based solely on relevant factual information assessed against a legal test.

How to submit evidence

• Evidence should relate specifically to flight data such as flight times, frequency, and aircraft size.
• Submissions must cover the period from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019.
• All evidence must be factual and verifiable.
• Third parties are asked to email their evidence to planning@leeds.gov.uk by 25 March 2026.

Information received will be shared with Leeds Bradford Airport before the council assesses and determines the application.

Council statement

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said the council recognises the public interest in planning matters related to the airport. He highlighted the importance of adhering to the legal framework governing CLEUD applications and reiterated that only factual evidence within the specified parameters can be considered.