SBAEx is based in North Somerset. It aims to minimise the harmful impact of Bristol Airport on regional communities and the environment, and sees local action as part of a global response to the climate emergency
AIRPORT EXPANSION
In late 2019 Bristol Airport submitted plans for a major expansion programme to increase passenger numbers from around 9 million to 12 million each year by 2025.
Following widespread local protests North Somerset Councillors voted to reject the Airport’s application to expand (10th February), with 18 votes in favour of rejection, with 7 against and 3 abstentions. The ratification vote on 18th March was even more emphatic (18:2:3).
The public consultation preceding the vote registered 8,473 objections to expansion.
This decision to oppose Airport expansion was supported by local Members of Parliament, Bristol and Bath City Councils, the main Town Councils in the region, the majority of Parish Councils and a large number of community groups and many thousands of individuals.
DEMOCRATIC DECISIONS IGNORED
Despite this massive opposition the Airport decided to appeal against the Council decision and started a lengthy, costly appeal process.
Two years on (2nd Feb 2022) planning inspectors have published their decision to allow the Airport appeal. There are many grounds on which this decision can and must be challenged.
Support further action to have this decision overturned [link]
BRISTOL AIRPORT IS BIG ENOUGH.
The proposals will see more than 97,000 flights arriving and departing the airport a year, 23,800 flights more than in 2017 and increased night flights during the summer
Expansion will impact the region through:
- increased air pollution that will further harm the health of regional communities
- increased greenhouse gas emissions that offset other carbon savings
- gridlock on congested approach roads
- noise pollution day and night affecting health and well-being
- Green Belt destruction and other environmental harm to natural habitats and landscape
- parking sprawl as on-site parking expands and the blight of illegal parking spreads through roads, fields and communities around the Airport
Only the Canadian owners, the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, will profit from expansion. These profits will be taken at the expense of the health and well-being of the West region, its wildlife and natural environment and its economy.
Support further action to have this decision overturned
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