Bristol Airport faces criticism for failing to properly address the effects of its expansion on villages located just beyond a council boundary. While seeking planning approval from North Somerset Council to increase flights to 100,000 annually, the airport’s noise and traffic assessments appear to exclude nearby villages in Bath and North East Somerset, despite flight paths crossing these areas.
Paul May, a Liberal Democrat councillor representing Publow with Whitchurch in Bath and North East Somerset Council, highlighted the oversight during a council meeting on May 14. “The airport recognises the impact and noise on nine North Somerset villages but does not consider any villages in Bath and North East Somerset to the south and east of the airport,” he said.
May emphasized that his constituents in the Chew Valley and surrounding areas are directly affected by flight paths, especially nighttime flights. He added concerns over increased traffic through narrow village lanes as passengers use sat navs to navigate to the airport. “Their plans show no support or consideration for B&NES villages. Residents worry about traffic, congestion, pollution, and noise, particularly as flight paths pass directly over Pensford village,” he explained.
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Sarah Warren, Bath and North East Somerset council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainability, called on residents to oppose the airport’s application. She argued that the expansion conflicts with both national net zero targets and local climate and ecological emergency commitments.
In response, Bristol Airport stated it conducted detailed traffic and noise assessments that include communities within Bath and North East Somerset and worked with the council to incorporate feedback. The airport asserted that no significant increase in traffic is expected on local roads highlighted by councillor May.
Bristol Airport also underscored its commitment to sustainable transport development, including investments to boost public transport use. It noted that its Airport Flyer bus service—which links Bath, Saltford, and Keynsham—has become free for employees, resulting in increased usage by residents of Bath and North East Somerset working at the airport.
The airport’s expansion plans aim to open new long-haul routes to North America and the Middle East, with strong support from local businesses and the tourism sector for the economic benefits. Expanding the runway, building over adjacent farmland, and fencing parts of Felton Common for landing lights are central and controversial elements of the proposal.
Currently serving 10.8 million passengers annually, Bristol Airport aspires to handle 15 million yearly with the expansion, further solidifying its ranking as the country’s eighth busiest airport.