Bristol International Airport has unveiled development plans for its proposed expansion, dividing public opinion in the region.
The expansion, as reported by Cheapflights.co.uk in November last year, will enable the regional airport to increase the number of passengers it handles annually to ten million by 2016.
Specifically, the airport’s operator South West Airports Limited wants to improve services for visitors by increasing car parking allocation, extending the terminal building and building additional aircraft stands.
Robert Sinclair, chief executive at Bristol International Airport, suggests that these developments are essential to meet “growing demand for air travel” in the south west.
He said: “The new facilities will make the airport better for our passengers, allowing us to improve the service and range of flights available to local business and leisure travellers.”
The plans have been revealed as part of a six week consultation process, before they are given to officials at North Somerset Council, and include energy efficiency measures designed to placate climate change lobbies, like the construction of on-site renewable energy sources.
In addition, the plans contain other instruments added to appease local residents, such as the careful management of noise pollution and a restriction on night flying.
However, a number of prominent local figures have criticised the plans for their expected environmental impact. Stephen Williams, Liberal Democrat MP for Bristol West, outlined his opposition to the expansion, despite the proposed 4,000 jobs and
