News / Bristol airport
Airport’s expansion plans ‘show no consideration’ to residents
Bristol Airport has been accused of ignoring the impact of its expansion plans on nearby villages that lie on the wrong side of a nearby council boundary.
The airport is currently trying to get planning permission from North Somerset Council to expand to 100,000 flights per year.
But Paul May, a councillor on neighbouring Bath & North East Somerset Council, says its plans have failed to take into account the noise and traffic impacts on villages on the other side of the council boundary – despite the planes flying over it.
Bristol Airport has insisted it has taken potentially affected areas in Bath & North East Somerset into account.
The meandering boundary between the two council areas is at its closest point just 830 metres from the end of the airport’s runway.
Airport bosses say the expansion plans are to “meet customer demand and support economic regional growth” – photo: Bristol Airport
May, a Liberal Democrat councillor for Publow with Whitchurch, told a council meeting in Bath: “The airport recognises the impact and noise impacts on nine North Somerset villages but do not consider any villages in Bath & North East Somerset to the south and east of the airport…
“I represent a series of villages close to North Somerset and, whilst they are the planning authority, this is a major issue affecting the Chew Valley, my area and the whole of B&NES affected by flight paths – especially at night.”
May said that the airport had failed to consider that many people followed their sat navs through “narrow and unsuitable village lanes” in the Chew Valley to reach the airport.
He said: “Their plans show no support or consideration to B&NES villages.
“My residents are concerned about the traffic, congestion, pollution and noise because flight paths and turning zones run directly over Pensford village.”
About 10.8m people a year use the airport – photo: Bristol Airport
A spokesperson for Bristol Airport said: “As part of our planning application, we’ve carried out detailed assessments of traffic and noise impacts.
“These cover potentially affected communities in Bath & North East Somerset and we’ve consulted with the council, adding in their feedback to our assessments.
“We’d be more than happy to meet with the councillor to discuss his concerns, but none of his local roads are expected to see a noticeable change in airport traffic.
“Our proposals include investment in public transport so that more than one in four passengers will reach us by bus or coach.
“We’ve already made the A4 Airport Flyer bus service, which connects the airport with Keynsham, Saltford and Bath, free for all employees, resulting in a sharp rise in use from people in Bath & North East Somerset who work at the Airport.
“The plans for Bristol Airport include connecting our region with more destinations, with some new long-haul routes to North America and the Middle East.
“Our proposals have had strong backing from businesses and the visitor economy, who recognise the economic opportunity presented for areas like Bath & North East Somerset.”
The expansion would allow the airport to serve 15m passengers per year. Currently, 10.8m people use the airport each year, making it the eighth busiest in the country.
To expand, the airport wants to extend its runway, build over a neighbouring farm and – controversially – fence off part of Felton Common to install landing lights.
Main photo: John Wimperis
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