Government body raises Bristol Airport expansion concerns
07.10.09
A Government organisation has raised concerns similar to airport campaigners over the planned £150 million expansion of Bristol Airport, the Western Mercury reports. South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) has raised concerns about the robustness of passenger growth projections, about the net economic benefits and highlighted the need for further analysis to be undertaken in its official response to the airport's planning application.
The agency added that ‘work needs to be done to reduce the carbon emissions associated wit the airport site and operations. This includes setting a robust plan and timetable to achieve on site carbon neutrality.’ However, it did give qualified support to the plans and said it believed the airport is of strategic importance to the South West.
Campaigners from Stop Bristol Airport Expansion (SBAE) welcomed the comments and said they are 'hugely significant'. A spokesman for the airport said: ‘We welcome SWRDA's recognition of the strategic importance and economic significance of Bristol International Airport to the South West.'
The application is set to be decided by a committee of elected North Somerset councillors at a board meeting and a report is being prepared by planning officers.
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