Decision looms on Bristol Airport's expansion plans ahead of planning meeting

A decision on the controversial expansion of Bristol Airport will be made this evening (Monday 10th February).

People had until mid last week to submit their views about the airport's expansion plans.

The proposals would see more than 97,000 flights arriving and departing the airport a year - a 23,800 increase on 2017.

Plans include expanding the existing terminal, building a multi-storey car park and improving the local road network to reduce congestion and offer more buses.

Airport bosses want to increase passenger numbers from 8.6 million a year to 12 million by 2026 to meet the rising demand.

More than 7,800 objections have been lodged against the plans - around 70% of all comments given.

The airport say there will be an additional 1,000 jobs created for local people - a 20% increase.

  • Watch below to hear from those who think the expansion will benefit the city

At the end of January, thousands of protesters marched through Bristol campaigning against the plans.

Extinction Rebellion members dressed as flight crew to raise awareness about the impact more flights and increased parking could have on the environment.

In 2019, Bristol Airport accelerated plans to become carbon neutral by 2025, following the public reaction to the controversial expansion - five years earlier than initially outlined.

But the plans do not include the current 76,000 flights a year, which carry more than 30,000 passengers a day.

Chief Executive Dave Lees says the airport need to improve when it comes to climate change.

At the end of January, thousands of protesters marched through Bristol campaigning against the proposed plans.

  • Watch below to find out why protestors are opposed to the plans

The North Somerset Council Planning Committee, made up of 27 North Somerset councillors, will meet this evening (February 10th) to vote on whether to accept the planning application.

Members of the expansion plan opposition group - Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN) - are trying to persuade councillors to vote against the expansion plans.

North Somerset Council published a report which 'recommends approval of the application subject to a legal agreement and planning conditions'.

The 175-page report will be discussed and considered at the meeting in Weston-super-Mare.

The meeting will start at 6pm and take place at the Town Hall.

North Somerset Council published a report which 'recommends approval of the application subject to a legal agreement and planning conditions'. Credit: Bristol Airport

North Somerset MP, Liam Fox, says there is a limit to what regional airports can do unless they spend a huge amount of money on transport infrastructure.