Claims that Bristol airport's carbon footprint could double

BRISTOL International Airport's (BIA) carbon footprint could more than double if expansion plans are given the go ahead, campaigners are claiming.

The Stop Bristol Airport Expansion (SBAE) group claim increased flights at the airport as a result of the expansion would see emissions increase by 125 per cent.

Campaigners are now writing to North Somerset Council calling for a delay on any decision on the airport planning application until a Government report on aviation emissions is released in December.

SBAE said that any decision made by the authority on the planning application before the release of the Technical Scientific Committee on Climate Change's report would be "recklessly premature".

The airport's own figures show a potential rise in carbon emissions from flights by over 100 per cent, from 329,000 tonnes of CO2 per year to 810,000 tonnes by 2019, and emissions from BIA's ground operation by over 40 per cent, from 92,000 to 138,000 tonnes per year.

SBAE spokesman Jeremy Birch said: "BIA resigns all responsibility over aviation emissions despite acting to increase them by adding more flights.

"What is more, the airport's own measures to reduce emissions are pathetic, compared with the huge increases from more flights, more traffic and a larger terminal."

People have until August 13 to comment on the airport's expansion plans.

Anyone wanting to view the application can do so at council libraries and offices.

Comments can be submitted by writing to Richard Kent, Head of Development Control, North Somerset Council, Somerset House, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1LH.