Bristol Airport expansion plans recommended for approval

05/03/2010

By Sam Lock.

A £150 million expansion plan for Bristol International Airport has been recommended for approval by a main planning committee.

It was hoped that North Somerset Council's south area committee would give a final decision on the proposals after they were recommended by planning officers, but instead the plans will be passed to a main committee with a recommendation for approval.

The plans include an expanded terminal building, a five-storey car park and improved transport links at Bristol Airport.

Operators claim the move could create 3,000 jobs and bring £200 million to the regional economy every year.

Airport chief executive Robert Sinclair told This is Bristol: "We think the south area committee has looked at our plans in detail, and has made a decision on facts and not emotion.

"Hopefully we will see a balanced outcome from the next meeting."

A senior body will consider the plans at its next session on April 28th or at a special meeting.

The expansion would see Bristol's annual passenger numbers rise from six million to ten million within ten years.

Work is currently taking place at the airport to construct a covered walkway between its terminal building and aircraft stands, while it is also investing in a new World Duty Free store and refurbished toilets.