Almondsbury helicopter base plan sparks noise objections

The proposed site for the new shared helicopter base is between the M5 to the south and the A38 to the north

Dozens of objections have been made about plans for a new helicopter base for the Great Western Air Ambulance and National Police Air Service (NPAS).

The proposals for land near the M4/M5 interchange near Bristol include a hangar, car park, Met Office weather station and new access to the A38.

Many of the 97 letters said increased noise levels would detrimentally affect nearby Almondsbury village.

The helicopters' current home at Filton Airfield is due to be redeveloped.

'Life and death'

Objectors also say the proposed development would be inappropriate as it is within the green belt.

And they suggest helicopters taking off and landing close to the Almondsbury Interchange would be dangerously distracting for motorway drivers.

John Christensen, chief executive of the Great Western Air Ambulance, said if a more appropriate site had been available "then of course we would have gone for it - the truth is that this is the only site available that meets our needs".

Mr Christensen said if the service had to move further away from Bristol this would mean longer response times in "a scenario where every minute can make the difference between life and death".

Ch Supt Ian Whitehouse, of the NPAS, said that under the plans the helicopters would be locally based, where they could "play an essential role in the delivery of policing and responding to critically ill people".

The NPAS was launched in October 2012 to co-ordinate the deployment of police helicopters, which were then operated by individual forces from 30 bases.

It serves forces across England and Wales, including British Transport Police.

No date has yet been set for South Gloucestershire Council to discuss the application.