Bristol Airport expansion protest group 'disappointed'

Hilary Burn said the expansion news was "exceptionally disappointing"

The spokeswoman of a group opposed to the expansion of Bristol Airport has said it hopes to challenge the decision to give the plans the go-ahead.

Hilary Burn said North Somerset Council and the government had not taken the environmental impact into account.

The secretary of state decided not to call in the £150m expansion plans after councillors approved them in May.

Bristol Airport said the decision on Friday was "a vote of confidence" in the council's consultation process.

'Can't comment'

Ms Burn, of the Stop Bristol Airport Expansion group, said: "The news is exceptionally disappointing."

She said the council had not taken on board the views of the local community on the impact on traffic, carbon emissions, global warming and the loss of green belt.

She added that noise levels from about 90 flights a day and more night flights would also be an issue.

An airport spokesman said the expansion could inject £340m into the local economy

"We will be seeking to look for a challenge in future," she said.

"Until we've looked at the paperwork and had it looked at by professionals I can't really comment."

She added: "Twelve hectares of green belt are going to be car parking, which should really remain as green field.

"It's completely against the government and North Somerset's policies."

Councillor Elfan Ap Rees, North Somerset Council's deputy leader, welcomed the news on Friday.

He said: "The application underwent a vigorous examination and all parties, whether pro or anti, had the chance to put forward their case."

An airport spokesman said the plans could create 4,000 jobs and inject £340m into the local economy.

Its chief executive Robert Sinclair said: "This is great news for our passengers, airlines, business partners and staff."

The conditions of the planning application are being finalised.

Mr Sinclair added that construction could start in 2011.