Dr Raffle has made her diagnosis without examining all of the evidence.

Bristol International's planning application will include detailed reports, produced by experts in the fields of noise, economics, transport and the environment.

We expect these to demonstrate that the proposed development of the airport is sustainable.

Without having seen these reports, Dr Raffle's verdict is premature.

The application will also include a range of mitigation measures to reduce impacts on local people – with significant contributions to road improvements, for example. Far from resulting in increased congestion, the development provides an opportunity to improve the local road network.

Similarly, Dr Raffle's claims of increased noise are wide of the mark. In fact, noise around the airport will remain at pre-2006 levels, significantly quieter than residential areas close to Bristol's busy motorways.

The Stern Review made clear that the world does not need to choose between averting climate change and promoting growth and development. Indeed, the Sustainable Aviation Strategy, to which Bristol International is a signatory, targets a return to 2000 emissions levels by 2050.

This will be achieved by improvements in operational procedures and advances in aviation technology.

Aerospace manufacturers spend £2.5 billion a year on researching and developing new technology, with Bristol-based companies such as Airbus and Rolls Royce at the forefront.

Bristol International is not just used for holiday flights (although we do believe enabling people to travel the world from their local airport is a good thing). Strong air links help local businesses to access overseas markets and encourage inward investment.

Connections with the rest of the world also enable overseas visitors to explore Bristol and the South West, and play an important role in the region's ability to attract conferences, exhibitions and major events. Restricting the ability to fly to and from Bristol International will not reduce emissions, it will simply displace flights to airports in other regions, to the disadvantage of local travellers and tourism businesses.

The proposed development plans would deliver an airport for the South West to be proud of. Dr Raffle's argument is a prescription for failure.

Alan Davies, Planning and Environment Director at Bristol International Airport