Mayor Urged to Oppose Controversial Bristol Airport Expansion

Campaigners are urging the West of England Mayor to oppose Bristol Airport’s plans to expand its capacity to 15 million passengers per year. The airport has applied for permission to increase annual flights to 100,000, but critics argue that the airport should first complete and assess the current expansion target of 12 million passengers before pursuing further growth.

The planning application was submitted on March 27, coinciding with the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) meeting held in Bristol. Bristol Airport, situated in North Somerset, falls within a region soon to join the combined authority, giving the issue greater regional significance.

At the meeting, Tony Jones of the Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN) described the proposed expansion as “very problematic.” He pointed out that many challenges from the ongoing 12 million passenger expansion remain unresolved, highlighting opposition to further growth from WECA council members representing Bristol and Bath & North East Somerset.

Jones urged Mayor Helen Godwin to call for a pause on expansion until the 12 million passenger milestone is reached and the impact on local roads and infrastructure can be properly evaluated. BAAN previously challenged the 12 million passenger expansion in the High Court in 2022 but was unsuccessful. The airport has yet to complete that expansion despite seeking permission for further increases.

Highlighting concerns over climate change, Jones also noted that North Somerset faces severe risks from flooding and sea level rise, suggesting that the airport delay expansion until low-emission aircraft are widely available.

While current planning decisions fall to North Somerset Council, whose refusal of the prior expansion was overturned on appeal, Mayor Godwin acknowledged that local voices must be heard. In written responses to the committee, she explained that new legislation may soon grant regional mayors greater planning powers, including over areas like North Somerset if they join WECA.

Community members like Dundry resident Trisha Woodhead voiced concerns over worsening traffic congestion and noise pollution from increased flights, especially nighttime operations. Campaigners advocate that the airport’s expansion be postponed until the completion of a planned mass transit line linking the airport to Bristol city centre. However, Mayor Godwin noted that the airport’s growth plans and regional transport projects are not currently coordinated.