Greens oppose airport expansion

The airport says the expansion would inject £340m into the local economy

Plans for the expansion of Bristol International Airport are being opposed by the Green Party in the city.

A motion to Bristol City Council disputing claims the expansion is good for the city's economy has been submitted by councillor Charlie Bolton.

He said the airport should focus on becoming economically and environmentally sustainable instead.

The motion will be debated by the full council on Tuesday and could be amended by councillors before being agreed.

The resulting motion will be passed on as a contribution to North Somerset Council's planning department

North Somerset Council will then consider it as part of the planning process.

Up to 4,000 jobs could be created if expansion plans for Bristol International Airport (BIA) go ahead, an airport spokesman said.

The proposals include extending the terminal building and providing extra car parking and new aircraft stands.

Airport bosses claim there is room for most of the planned facilities on the existing site and claim the scheme would inject more than £340m into the local economy.

A decision on the expansion plans is due to be made by North Somerset Council by the end of May.