Planning application to increase capacity will set blueprint for the next decade
Bristol Airport (BRS/EGGD) has today begun phase 2 of public consultation on the future of the airport.
The “Towards 2050” plan includes design options for an inspirational gateway, improved boundary screening, and innovative uses for a proposed airside platform as well as setting out a charter for growth in five key areas, these being in aviation, economic impact, Green Belt, sustainable growth and surface access.
The consultation comes ahead of a planning application that will see the airport increase capacity to 12 million passengers. This, the airport says, can be done “largely within the existing boundaries” by using multi-storey car parks and a new canopy area at the front of the existing building and enhancements to traffic flow.
The airport says it will not be seeking an increase in night flight restrictions as it seeks to allay fears from local residents over increased aircraft noise that will come with increased flights and capacity.
Janis Kong, Chairman of Bristol Airport, said: “It was clear from the initial consultation on preparing a long-term Master Plan that local communities wanted clarity on our development plans and solutions to some of the issues they face living close to a busy international Airport. By bringing forward this planning application in tandem with our emerging thinking on the Master Plan, we will set out how phased growth can be achieved through the 2020s as part of an exciting longer-term vision.”
Simon Earles, Planning & Sustainability Director at Bristol Airport, said: “These proposals will ensure Bristol Airport continues to provide the connectivity our region needs to be successful while offering local residents and stakeholders greater clarity about the phasing of future development. We welcome feedback on these proposals as we work towards submitting a planning application to North Somerset Council this autumn.”
Bristol Airport saw just over eight million passengers pass through its terminals in 2017 and is the UK’s ninth busiest airport. It already has planning permission in place for facilities to handle up to 10 million passengers per annum.
Information about the future of Bristol Airport and its plans can be seen here https://www.bristolairportfuture.com/
