Airport expansion plans grounded

The plans to expand of Bristol International Airport have been delayed to allow more research into the airport's effect on the environment.

Airport bosses wanted to submit a planning application to the local council this autumn, but now hope this will happen by the middle of 2008.

Anti-airport expansion campaigners welcomed the move and said it showed the success of their operations.

The airport said it hoped the expansion would still happen within three years.

Paul Kehoe, from the airport, said: "We always said we could balance the economic, social and environment issues around expansion, and we now have to try and work out the impact of the airport."

It is expected that the airport will handle nearly seven million passengers next year.

An extension to the terminal and car park is planned.