Take Action
Think global, Act local…
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” (Margaret Mead, writer and activist)
“If enough people are fighting for change then change will come and every single person counts” (Greta Thunburg, 2020, speaking in Bristol)
… and remember the 3.5% rule
Challenging the Appeal decision
12 February 2022
Following publication (Feb 2022) of the Planning Inspectorate report giving Bristol Airport permission to expand, a number of community and campaign groups are working together to challenge this decision. The legal teams who offered their services to campaign groups did so at minimum cost with much of their expertise given free and the decision was no fault of theirs.
WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW …
1. Write to your local Councillor to say you support the original decision by North Somerset Council to reject Airport expansion and that you support the Council in seeking a Judicial Review of the Appeal outcome or other actions they may decide. If you live outside North Somerset, write to the Council Leader, Don Davies at donald.davies@n-somerset.gov.uk
2. Write to your MP. There are many compelling reasons to object to the Appeal outcome and MPs must take urgent action to ensure that the government climate policies, including aviation legislation, are fit for purpose. Current policies cannot be reconciled with the Climate Change Act, The Paris Agreement or the Government commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050.
3. Raise or contribute to funds for legal action. This could include as a judicial review of the Bristol decision, and group action by campaign groups across the nation to pressure the Government to abandon support for aviation growth in order to meet the commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050. [Further information to follow]
4. Follow and share campaign updates on social media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. Please provide links to our website from your own community group and ‘Like’ and ‘Share’ our Website and Facebook links as widely as possible.
5. Support SBAEx in its work to minimise the harmful impacts of the current Airport operation…
Contribute your interests and skills
SBAEx admin has depended on a core of volunteers from North Somerset and BANES and, thanks to their work, has achieved an enormous amount over the last two years. We now a need for more people to share the load. This includes support with social media and communications, extending links with community groups, and developing contacts with airport-focused environmental groups within and beyond the region. Other support needs range from basic administration to monitoring press coverage to writing press releases and campaign development.
Just an hour or two a week will make a real contribution. Maybe ask a friend to share…
If you are interested in contributing in any capacity please send an email to StopBAex@gmail.com with ‘support’ in subject line.
Join the campaigns
SBAEx campaigns create a local response to the global climate emergency. In the aftermath of the pandemic we cannot return to ‘business as usual’: the future has no place for corporate psychopaths who have presumed free rein to plunder the planet and trash local communities for maximum short-term gain. SBAEx campaigns to minimise the harmful impact of Bristol Airport on local communities and the global environment. Each campaign is led by groups of individuals who unite around a particular issue.
Campaign 1: Ban Night Flights
Bristol Airport now has the right to operate up to 4,000 night flights, mostly across the summer months.
Night flying already causes significant harm to the health and well-being of local communities and this level of tourist traffic is intolerable. Many international Airports, including Heathrow, have banned night flights in response to campaign pressures. Enough is enough: join the campaign to ban all night flights.
Email stopbaex@gmail.com with ‘night flights’ in the subject line
Campaign 2: A Citizen’s Charter for Bristol Airport
The desire for change, driven by youthful energy and imagination, is pushing UK political parties towards the Green transition. A Citizen’s Charter will provide a benchmark for Bristol Airport operations 2023-30 (the period of the new Local Plan) as a first step in the Green transition to a sustainable Airport operation.
The Charter will include commitments to:
– a return to levels of passenger traffic as they were around 2003 (4 million passengers with 75,000 aircraft movements);
– a freeze on passenger numbers at 4 million until technologies allow decarbonisation of the aviation industry and non-polluting, near-silent planes;
– 80% public transport access by 2030;
– no night flights (22.00-06.30);
– no encroachment on Green Belt land;
– commercial parking to be phased out.
We welcome further suggestions and support in drafting and publicising this short Charter.
Enough is enough: join the campaign to establish a Citizens Charter for Bristol Airport.
Email stopbaex@gmail.com with ‘charter’ in the subject line
Campaign 3: Open the Windows on Permitted Development
Bristol Airport’s new head office (‘The Eyesore’) was built under permitted development granted by North Somerset planners then put on the rental market without ever being used [4].
Permitted development allows the Airport extensive freedom from planning regulations but evidence is emerging that the Airport’s build-and-rent deal is a clear abuse of this privileged concession. SBAEx queries have so far received evasive replies from planning officers and we will continue to seek until we receive a satisfactory explanation.
Permitted development agreements are still shrouded in secrecy. It’s possible that the Airport and North Somerset might strike some kind of a deal as a condition of the Airport not appealing the North Somerset planning decision to refuse expansion. SBAEx will campaign for complete transparency and public consultation on future agreements between the Airport and North Somerset planners through permitted development or other paths.
Enough is enough: join the campaign to open the books on permitted development for Bristol Airport.
Email stopbaex@gmail.com with ‘perm dev’ in the subject line.
Contact details
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stopbristolairportexpansion/
Website: www.stopbristolairportexpansion.org
Email: stopbaex@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StopBrisAirport
The SBAEx Website
The website carries regular updates, comment and information including:
– a guide to the impact of Airport expansion links for all (‘Why Oppose Airport Expansion’)
– ‘Fact Sheets’ with background information and evidence;
– ‘Updates’ section exploring current issues in detail;
– ‘Take Action’, in various ways