Consultation has begun on detailed plans on the continued growth opportunities and longer term development of Bristol Airport – as the airport continues to see impressive popularity. The project, labelled Towards 2050, sets out the huge potential which could be unlocked in five areas – aviation, economic impact, green belt, sustainable growth and surface access.

The economic benefits of the airport and the infrastructure and travel industry as a whole are likely to be a key topic of the West of England Economic Growth Conference which is returning for its second year in October.

Those detailed plans form part of a longer term development project for the airport, which looks set to apply for a planning application to increase capacity at the airport – accommodating 12 million passengers a year. The development land is largely within that owned by Bristol Airport currently, with improvements including surface level car parking, a new canopy at the front of the building, an additional multi-storey car park and improvements to the on-site road layout – whilst local highway improvements to further enhance access to reduce congestions are also proposed.

Chairman of Bristol Airport Janis Kong said: ”It was clear from the initial consultation on preparing a long-term master plan that local communities wanted clarity on our development plans and solutions to some of the issues they face living close to a busy international Airport. By bringing forward this planning application in tandem with our emerging thinking on the masterplan, we will set out how phased growth can be achieved through the 2020s as part of an exciting longer-term vision.”

Although no increase in night flights is being sought by the Airport they’re still engaging within the consultation period to address impacts on the local community and environment including aircraft noise.

Simon Earles, Planning & Sustainability Director at Bristol Airport, added: ”These proposals will ensure Bristol Airport continues to provide the connectivity our region needs to be successful while offering local residents and stakeholders greater clarity about the phasing of future developments. We welcome feedback on these proposals as we work towards submitting a planning application to North Somerset Council this autumn.”

We’re looking forward to the next phases of the Bristol Airport masterplan and how that and other projects will deliver economic growth at the West of England Economic Growth Conference – make sure you’re there!