News Release (17/09/10)
Bristol Airport welcomes the decision today that the Secretary of State has decided not to call in its planning application to develop and enhance the Airport.
This is a vote of confidence in the comprehensive consultation process carried out by North Somerset Council, and the significant support for the application from across the South West. This decision endorses the positive recommendation by the Council’s planning officers, the support of the application by its South Area Committee, whose members represent wards in closest proximity to the Airport, and the final approval given by the Council’s most senior planning body, the Planning and Regulatory Committee.
By empowering North Somerset Council to determine this application, the Secretary of State’s decision secures the future of the Airport and its contribution to the region for the next 10 years, delivering more jobs, more inbound visitors and better access to air travel for business and leisure passengers. Development of the Airport will also bring significant financial contributions for improved transport to the airport, controls on environmental impacts and robust mitigation measures.
Robert Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer at Bristol Airport, said:
“This is great news for our passengers, airlines, business partners and staff. It is a major step in the right direction and we are delighted to have reached this balanced outcome after five years’ work. Approval of these proposals recognises the Airport’s vital contribution to regional prosperity, while also ensuring that environmental considerations are addressed.
“The plans provide a blueprint for the long-term development of Bristol Airport, and will allow us to provide more services from Bristol, which will reduce car journeys to other airports, and also grow inbound tourism to the South West.
“Once the Section 106 Agreement which accompanies the planning application has been formally agreed we will begin prioritizing key components of the development to bring forward over the coming years. These are expected to include additional aircraft stands, extensions to the terminal and improved car parking. Construction could begin in 2011, and will be phased to meet customer demand.”