Development agency raises airport expansion concerns
07.10.09
A Government agency has raised concerns similar to those raised by campaigners over the planned £150 million expansion of Bristol Airport, the Western Mercury reports. The South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) raised concerns about the robustness of passenger growth projections, the net economic benefits of the expansion and highlighted the need for further analysis to be undertaken in its official response to the airport's planning application.
The agency added ‘work needs to be done to reduce the carbon emissions associated wit the airport 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 Airport to the South West.'
The application is 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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