Bristol Airport campaigners set up fighting fund
03.07.10
Campaigners fighting the £150 million expansion plans at Bristol Airport have set up a fighting fund to launch a legal challenge against the decision to allow the development to go ahead. Stop Bristol Airport Expansion (SBAE) is appealing to the public to donate money towards the cost of legal fees so it can challenge the council's decision to back the scheme.
North Somerset Council approved the expansion, subject to 70 conditions, at a meeting in May. But the final decision on whether the development can go ahead lies in the hands of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles as some of the development - more airport parking - is in green belt land. He will decide whether to call a public inquiry or allow the council's decision to stand.
Campaigners say that if a public inquiry is not granted, they will mount a legal challenge against North Somerset's approval, claiming there is no current Government policy to support its decision. SBAE leaders say they have been advised that the airport application is open to legal challenge because it is based on the 2003 Government aviation policy. The policy was recently ruled as out of date by a High Court judge who said it was not compatible with the 2008 Climate Change Act. The move could signal the first test case for the new Government's regional airport expansion plans.
SBAE spokesperson Hilary Burn said: ‘We have everything left to fight for according to our legal adviser, who is one of the best campaigning lawyers in the country. It's crucial that we maintain this legal support, which is why we are asking for more financial support from local residents.'
To donate to the SBAE fund use the Paypal donation link at www.stopbia.com or send a cheque made out to 'SBAE' to Stop Bristol Airport Expansion, c/o The Hub, 3rd Floor, Bush House, 72 Prince Street, Bristol, BS1 4QD.
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