Airport expansion 'not wanted or needed' - council

Plans to expand Bristol Airport to 15 million passengers a year will be "destructive" to the climate and pose health risks, a councillor has said.

Under the proposals, the airport's runway will be extended and flights to the US and the Middle East, including additional late-night services, will be introduced.

Bristol Airport said the move was in response to a "growing demand" for travel, and would boost job opportunities and economic growth in the region.

But speaking at a council meeting, councillor Izzy Russell said: "Time and time again we have made it clear that expansion is not wanted or needed."

Two years ago, the airport won permission from the High Court to expand from 10 million to 12 million passengers per year, although this has yet to be implemented.

At a Bristol City Council meeting on Tuesday, the majority of councillors formally opposed the airport's new plans, the Conservative members backed them, and Labour councillors abstained from a vote.

However, the decision on granting planning permission will ultimately be taken by North Somerset Council, as the airport falls within its patch.

Green councillor Ms Russell, who tabled the motion, explained the symbolic vote served as "a sign of solidarity".

"This airport expansion is not just a destruction of our environment, it represents the erosion of democracy," she said.

Ms Russell cited concerns with congestion, noise pollution at night, carbon emissions, health risks and "precious wildlife being increasingly encroached upon".

She added that "sustainable aviation fuel" only makes up a small percentage of total aviation fuel, and electric and hydrogen planes are unfeasible anytime soon.

But according to Labour councillors, in the event the airport does not expand, people will still want to fly to America or the Middle East.

They will just do so from London instead, resulting in more emissions.

"The world is heating up, we are in a climate emergency, and the airport is a big contributor to emissions," Labour councillor Susan Kollar said.

"But I'm not convinced that stopping one regional airport from expanding is the best way to reduce emissions.

"We need to decarbonise air travel and the best way to do this is tackling demand and providing alternatives."

She also suggested the government roll out a frequent flyer levy to discourage excessive flying.

A Bristol Airport spokesperson said the plans have been published following an "extensive consultation with local communities and businesses".

"The airport is vital in providing a gateway for visitors to explore the South West – supporting the tourism sector that many local businesses and attractions rely on," they said.

The airport is the largest private sector employer in our area, providing about 5,500 jobs on-site, the spokesperson added.

"We expect our proposals to deliver 1,000 additional on-site jobs and support many more in our region, boosting economic growth.

"We hope to be able to work with Bristol City Council, so that we maximise the economic benefits for our city," they added.

The plans are expected to be submitted to North Somerset Council in the autumn.

Additional reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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