Bristol Airport to appeal expansion refusal claiming it would boost South West business after Covid-19 crisis

The airport would see an extra two million passengers travel through every year. Credit: Bristol Airport

Bristol Airport will appeal against a decision to reject its expansion plans, which would see it increase capacity by two million passengers a year.

North Somerset Council rejected the proposals at a meeting in February 2020, which was described by the airport's CEO as "a very disappointing decision".

Now Dave Lees intends to appeal, saying an expansion would boost business in the region and create more jobs - replacing some of those lost due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The airport's main terminal building re-opened in July, but passenger numbers still remain lower than usual for the time of year. Credit: ITV West Country

The airport's expansion plans stirred up controversy across the West Country when they were announced in 2018.

Since then protesters have staged several marches to express their opposition to the proposals - mostly claiming they would be harmful to the environment.

One protest saw Extinction Rebellion members dress up as flight attendants to raise awareness of the impact more flights and cars could have on the environment.

Those opposed to the plans say noise and air pollution will worsen around the airport, while expanding will potentially ruin the habitats of some of the local wildlife.

As well as making things bigger, the A38 would also need to be redesigned to allow for the extra capacity.

BRISTOL AIRPORT EXPANSION - THE BACKGROUND:

The airport says an expansion would mean less people driving to London airports. Credit: ITV West Country

North Somerset councillors refused the planning application, despite it being recommended for approval by the council's planning officers.

If appealed against, the decision will move to a national level and be made by an independent planning inspector or the Government.

The expansion plans in more detail:

  • New multi-storey car park and extension of the Silver Zone car parking

  • Extension of the main terminal building, including a new immigration hall

  • Improved public transport, including new bus and coach services

  • Redesign of the A38 and the airport's internal road layout

In response to arguments that the expansion would have a negative impact on the environment, Mr Lees says "millions of passengers drive to London's airports every year, adding to the unnecessary carbon emissions and congestion."

The airport has set out plans to become carbon neutral by 2025 with net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

But, these plans do not include the tens of thousands of flights from the airport every year.

CEO Dave Lees has previously said the airport needs to make improvements. Included in the plans is also a promise to "ensure adverse effects on wildlife and habitats are minimised".

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