Region's business group backs airport expansion

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The region’s leading business organisation is backing the multi-million expansion plans for Bristol Airport.

GWE Business West, which represents more than 2,000 businesses across the West Country, has said it is supporting the scheme, which could eventually see as many as 10 million passengers per year using the airport in the next decade.

A North Somerset Council planning committee will consider the issue on Wednesday night but officers are recommending the application be approved.The £150 million expansion of Bristol International Airport include an expanded terminal, more space for aeroplanes, a new multi-car park and long- awaited improved transport links at the site.

Airport bosses say the expansion will help it cope with millions more passengers. It expects to have six million this year and up to 10 million by 2020.

But planning officers have also said that 67 conditions should be put in place if councillors decide to give it planning permission.

Chambers of Commerce director Nigel Hutchings stressed that good transport links are vital for economic growth for Bristol and beyond.

He said: “We know many of our members are passionate supporters of the green agenda and some have doubts about the concept of expanding the airport. However, by far the majority believe that the current projected growth for Bristol International is sustainable and can be achieved without detriment to the environment.

“That view was supported by the recent report from the Committee on Climate Change which concluded that airport capacity could grow by 60 per cent nationally while still enabling emissions from aviation to return to 2005 levels by 2050.” He added: “We have also been impressed with the way the airport has consulted with people, listened to what they had to say and then made changes to their original proposals.

“In particular increasing funding for local transport schemes and lowering the number of night flights will greatly mitigate the effects of the expansion in passenger numbers.”

Bristol Airport said it would increase its contribution to the Bus Rapid Transit scheme and the South Bristol Link from £3m to £5.4m.

It will also contribute up to £100,000 a year for enhanced public transport services to Weston-super-Mare.

In addition the airport has offered to reduce the cap on night aircraft movements put forward in the original planning application from 4,500 to 4,000.

Mr Hutchings said: “Our job is to represent the voice of business, which naturally means making the case for growth but at the same time we are conscious of our responsibility in achieving prosperity for everyone in a sustainable way. We believe these plans will meet both those demands and we sincerely hope the councillors of North Somerset approve the application.”