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 international airport is currently trying to get planning permission from North Somerset Council to expand to 100,000 flights per year.
The airport is trying to get planning permission to expand to 100,000 flights per year.
But Paul May, a councillor on neighbouring Bath and 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 plans flying over it.
Bristol Airport has insisted it has taken potentially affected areas in Bath and 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.
But May, 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 and North East Somerset to the south and east of the airport.”
He said: “I represent a series of villages close to North Somerset and, whilst they are the planning authority, this 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.
About 10.8 million 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 and 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 1 in 4 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 and 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 and North East Somerset.”
The expansion would allow the airport to serve 15 million passengers per year.
Currently, 10.8 million 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 of part of Felton Common to install landing lights.
Credits: Bristol Airport
