Opinion
Featured in the Bath Chronicle, Somerset Guardian and
Midsomer Norton & Radstock Journal; 21st May 2009
Last week a debate took place at a B&NES Full Council meeting on the issue of Bristol Airport’s development plans. While it is North Somerset Council that will have the ultimate say over whether to grant planning permission or not, it is important that B&NES makes its views clear to the airport and North Somerset Council’s planning committee.
There are of course very mixed views about the prospect of Bristol Airport’s expansion. Whilst I expect most people would recognise the economic benefits the airport brings to our region, there are real concerns about the impact more flights could have on the environment and numbers of cars using roads leading to the airport.
Due to the strong views that surround the airport expansion plans, it is important that residents and Parish Councils throughout B&NES are given the chance have an input on B&NES Council’s response to the plans. That is why the Conservatives tabled an amendment to a motion at the Council debate to include a commitment to holding a public discussion about the plans at a B&NES planning committee meeting. This will then allow members of the public and parish and town councils a chance to make representations.
The results of this consultation will then be added to the motion passed by B&NES Council which resolved to pass on concerns about the expansion plans. The motion states that the airport must ‘recognise the targets set by the government to reduce emissions’ and ‘work to achieve them’, and calls for ‘improvement in public transport to and from the airport’.
Having a good regional airport is of course beneficial as a driver of economic growth and employment for our area, particularly when we have such a strong tourist industry. And it is beneficial for the environment if we do not have to drive to London to catch flights.
But this must not be at the expense of local residents’ quality of life, particular regarding noise, congestion and pollution. That is why those most affected by the plans, local residents and parish councils, should be given the opportunity to weigh up the pros and cons and have a clear say over B&NES Council’s submission.
Yours faithfully,
Cllr Peter Edwards (Con, Publow & Whitcurch),
(B&NES Council’s representative on Bristol International Airport Consultative Committee)