As part of a major statement to all councillors, Cllr Brian Allinson, Conservative Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “We are carrying out an extensive and thorough consultation.
In total, around 400 people took the time to come to one of the 3 drop-in exhibitions that have been held – the last of which happened on Monday.
This consultation period runs until 24th October and we will need time to review what people have said. It would be quite wrong and set a dangerous precedent to torpedo the consultation halfway through.”
Responding to comments from Labour councillors to increase the numbers of flights in and out of the airfield to improve its viability, Cllr Keith Cranney (Con, Stoke Gifford) said: “On behalf of the residents that I represent – many of whom live under the airfield’s flight path – I would like to raise concerns with many of the comments made by Labour councillor about increasing the number of flights in and out of Filton.
Their plan seems to be for a new Bristol International Airport in all but name.”
Cllr Trevor Jones (Con, Frenchay & Stoke Park) added: “I would like to remind members that there are two sides to every story and, as always, a silent majority! The residents of Filton and Patchway do not live directly under the flight path, but many of my neighbours and the residents I represent do, and they don’t want significantly increased air movements over them, day and night!”