Many have shared their views, raising concerns about transport, the environment, politics, and the airport’s role in the areaHelen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, speaking at Aerospace Bristol during the announcement of record investment in the region’s transport and aerospace sectors.

The ongoing debate surrounding the expansion of Bristol Airport continues to divide Bristol Live readers. Numerous concerns have been raised, touching on transport, environmental issues, politics, and the airport’s role within the region.

West of England Metro Mayor Helen Godwin, who could potentially wield significant influence over whether Bristol Airport can expand, has clarified her stance on the contentious plan.

The airport is proposing an expansion to accommodate 15 million passengers annually, featuring a longer runway and flights to America and the Middle East. This comes just two years after it triumphed in a high court battle against campaigners for permission to expand to 12 million passengers per year.

Just last week, Bristol City Council passed a motion opposing the airport’s expansion – however, the final decision rests with North Somerset Council, who will determine whether to grant planning permission. In 2020, councillors in North Somerset rejected the airport’s proposal to expand to 12 million passengers per year, only for the decision to be reversed following a gruelling planning inquiry.

However, this time around, West of England Metro Mayor Helen Godwin could be one of the key decision-makers. Despite North Somerset Council not being a member of the West of England Combined Authority, it has expressed interest in joining to the government.

Concurrently, the government is considering granting metro mayors the authority to call-in or direct refusal of significant planning applications of potential strategic importance in its Devolution Bill.

One reader, Dottertown believes: “Should not be expanded until they sort out better access, one road in and out (The A38) is crazy”

Asmodeus says: “Godwin gives a predictable fudge answer, that all concerns have to be met at the same time. Much of this ‘green’ technology in aviation depends on the veracity of what is claimed for ‘sustainable aviation fuel’, which is highly contentious. It is now big business, with a lot of money riding on it, so at risk of being over-hyped. Godwin’s allegiances are evident in prioritising a fast transit route to the airport rather than mass transit to relieve traffic volumes and congestion in Bristol.”

Mikeey12 comments: “God help us if she gets involved best thing I can say to North Somerset do not join the WECA disaster. Should not have voted in another Labour WECA mayor roll on Farage taking over.”

Magnus1975 writes: “She can’t have both – an expanded airport and be green?! SAF is just greenwash and it currently doesn’t even account for 0.7% of current usage. Bristol is mainly budget airlines serving leisure destinations, so it’s people going abroad and spending money outside of the UK. Labour were against airport expansion in opposition, but now the environment doesn’t seem to matter to them.”

Headpostmaster says: “Bristol Airport must not be allowed to expand. After suffering the new transport hub they’ve created last week goes to show passenger comfort is the last thing on Bristol Airport’s mind. It’s awful and if it raining your going to get soaked walking the 300 meters from the tunnel to the Terminal. Please try and stop this nonsense.”

Dis1954 feels: “They must listen to local residents, what that means is a handful of greens who are opposed to anything mechanical, they are the luddites of the 21st century, Bristol is a strategic regional airport and as such will be allowed to expand.”

Darrow thinks: “Don’t expect her to listen to the residents! I emailed her with an easy straightforward question about public transport 4 weeks ago and have not had a response – I think she is only interested in residents when she is looking for votes or if there is a chance of a “photo opportunity” – like most politicians!”

Asmodeus adds: “You’re entitled to your view. Mine is that all politicians are destined to disappoint.”

Bishopbenj says: “No expansion means people travelling to London, Birmingham or even Manchester to fly – more pollution from the travelling. Or do people want draconian laws to ban/limit flying? Is ‘green’ good? How about the UK reducing its carbon footprint by not drilling for oil, but importing this and gas from countries hat do not worrying about ‘the climate’ – plus the pollution of transporting and the exporting of UK jobs. So much of ‘green’ and ‘net zero’ doesn’t stand up to analysis.”

Magnus1975 writes: “A strategic airport? It’s mainly budget airlines flying holiday flights – no cargo, search and rescue or flights to remote communities, so it’s not a case of being a luddite, more the need to reduce unnecessary emissions. Airlines don’t pay any tax on fuel so if airlines actually paid tax on fuel then air fares would actually reflect the true cost of flying and the unsustainable growth of aviation would be reduced. How about not flying as much then?! Airlines don’t pay tax on fuel so make the polluter pay and stop expanding airports. Introduce a frequent flyer tax and improve public transport so people fly less.”

Asmodeus questions: “Why doesn’t Bristol Airport put the carbon levy it has been charging on Excess Drop Off for the last five years towards the construction costs of a fast transit (e.g. tramline) route to the airport rather than having it charged wholly to the taxpayer? This would be a ‘carbon offset’ we can see.”

Blackbeard83 writes: “I think it’s safe to say you won’t cut pollution by increasing the amount of flights. The government are desperate for growth so I’d be pretty surprised if this isn’t waved through. Fighting climate change seems to be taking a back seat. If you live near rising sea levels, flood zones, then unlucky is the message the world is giving. The funny thing is people being against fighting climate change and immigration as one creates the other. If we create droughts and floods people will move to seek refuge as living conditions worsen.

“Renewable energy is the cheapest energy source and reduces pollution which creates climate change. I’m sorry but that is just 2 very important facts you choose to ignore. Ignore climate change then prepare for huge immigration levels.”

Do you think that Bristol Airport needs to be expanded? Comment below or HERE to join in the conversation.