Bristol International Airport Expansion

Bristol International Airport (BIA), situated in Green Belt and 10 miles south of Bristol currently has almost 6 million passengers per annum. BIA’s Master Plan proposes expansion to 9 million passengers by 2015 and to further increase this to 12 million passengers by 2030.

We are concerned that the accelerating growth will mean the target of 9 million passengers will be reached far sooner than this. At current rates this will happen by 2009. The airport’s location, alongside the Mendip Hills (AONB) and without any prospect of rail connections, puts increasing pressure on local roads and on parking on Green Belt land. Parking is a serious issue with surface parking on airport land to the south and unlawful parking in fields and farms surrounding the airport.

Both BIA and North Somerset Council concluded their consultations on the Master Plan in 2006. During the North Somerset Council consultation there were 4757 letters opposed to the expansion with 250 supporting the expansion. This was a clear message that further noise, air and light pollution, and road congestion are not welcomed.

In May 2010 councillors on the North Somerset Planning and Regulation Committee voted to approve the expansion plans, subject to conditions, including referral to the Secretary of State.

North Somerset is asking the Government to consider the impact of the expansion on climate change – and to rule on airport’s plans to build a car park on the green belt.

For further information please visit the Stop Bristol Airport Expansion website: