A YouGov poll has revealed a “silent majority” are backing Bristol Airport’s controversial plans to expand its parking area, transport interchange and front canopy.
The plans are opposed by Bath and North East Somerset Council, while hundreds of people have objected, including campaign group Stop Bristol Airport Expansion.
“Expanding the airport shows a sense of climate denial and not acknowledging the real climate crisis we are facing,” said Kimberley Fry, a primary school teacher. “These are not the kinds of investments I want my pension plan funds to be part of.”
In addition to its expansion proposals, the airport has requested that seasonal restrictions on night flights be changed, to have an annual caps on movements instead.
The airport is aiming to grow from 8.5 million passengers in 2019 to 10 million in two years time, and to double that number by 2045, saying the growth could support jobs in the region.
“Seventy three per cent of North Somerset residents support Bristol Airport’s development plans,” Planning and sustainability director of Bristol Airport Simon Earles told the Peninsula Transport Shadow Sub National Body. “The silent majority has spoken.”
