A QUICK GUIDE: how to respond to the Public Inquiry into Bristol Airport’s appeal.

SEE ALSO THE SBAEx SUBMISSION TO THE INQUIRY for more detailed information and comment [live link]

The Public Inquiry opens on 20 July 2021 and is scheduled for 16 sitting days. The Planning Inquiry Guidelines state specifically that:

‘Local people are encouraged to take part in the inquiry process. Local knowledge and opinion can often be a valuable addition to the evidence given by the appellant and the local planning authority.’ [Guide, 9.1]

All comments previously submitted to the NSC website will be considered by the Planning Inspector. However, you can now make additional comment by writing direct to the Planning inspector before 22^nd February. It’s a powerful opportunity, even if you’ve already submitted a comment, to give a more detailed account of your personal experience of the impact of the Airport and ways in which expansion would further harm the health and wellbeing of you, your family, the community and the environment.

WRITTEN COMMENT
Your comments should include:
– your name and address. [see Note 1 below on anonymous submissions]
– the appeal reference number (APP/D0121/W/20/3259234);
Start your comment by saying ‘I am against the appeal proposals’ and explain whether it is for some or all of the reasons given by North Somerset councillors for rejecting the appeal. [Guide, 5.6]
Follow this link to summary of reason given by North Somerset for rejecting the Airport application
You could take this opportunity to describe the personal impact of nearly 25,000 additional flights a year. This could include:

NOISE throughout the day from planes on tarmac and landing / taking off 24/7, and the brutal impact of increased night flights across the summer.
Evidence of AVIATION POLLUTION such as oil film on garden ponds; smell of gasolene, 24/7.
The impact of TRAFFIC POLLUTION and CONGESTION on the A38 and chaos in the lanes in event of diversions. This a result of the appalling public transport links to the Airport
Loss of greenbelt and agricultural land to authorised AIRPORT PARKING.
Yet greater nuisance from UNAUTHORISED and ILLEGAL CAR PARKING: illegal use of fields, parking in lanes by Airport passengers, and casual traffic through lanes and villages 24/7
Harm to the flora, fauna and landscape of the local ENVIRONMENT, close to the Mendip Hills AONB. and loss of opportunities for tranquillity for relaxation and pleasure

The Planning Inspectors contact details: https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk or by emailing Leanne.palmer@planninginspectorate.gov.uk. If you do not have access to the internet, can send your comments to: Leanne Palmer, The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/J, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN

STRONG TOGETHER
The guidelines state that ‘If there are several people with the same views, it is a good idea for one person to speak on behalf of the others. A group of interested people may appoint one agent, solicitor, or barrister’ [Guide, 9.5].

SBAEx, working closely with the PCAA legal team, are putting together a list of people who would be prepared to read their statement at the Inquiry. This group will have informed help and support in preparing their statement. If you would like your name to be added to this list, send an email to SBAEx stopbaex@gmail.com putting ‘attn Patrick’ in the subject line as soon as possible (by 15 Feb at latest).

ATTENDING THE INQUIRY
Inquiries are open to members of the public, and although you do not have a legal right to speak, the Inspector will normally allow you to do so. If you want to speak at the inquiry, you need to think about what you want to say and how you want to say it. Some people prefer to make, or read out, a brief statement giving their views. [Guide, 9.5]

Notes
1. The Inquiry does not accept anonymous representations, but you may ask for your name and address to be withheld but make sure your representations do not include any other information which may identify you. Your representations, with your name and address removed, will be copied to the main parties, and they will be seen by the Inspector who may give them less weight as a result of their anonymity. [see Guide, 5.11]

References
1. Guide. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/planning-appeals-dealt-with-by-an-inquiry-taking-part
This contains full information on Inquiry procedures, including how to send supporting documents, audio-visual material and so on.
2. There’s also information about the appeal and how to get involved at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/airportappeal.
3. If you wish to make further comments, or modify/withdraw your previous representation, you can do so online at https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk or by emailing Leanne.palmer@planninginspectorate.gov.uk. If you do not have access to the internet, can send your comments to: Leanne Palmer, The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/J, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN

All comments must be received by 22 February 2021