Airport's runway expansion plan could create 'eyesore'

Campaigners have described an airport's plan to extend its runway onto a small section of common open space as a "land grab".

Bristol Airport wants to install rows of landing lights and fencing on Felton Common, at the eastern end of the runway, to accommodate new long-haul routes to America and the Middle East.

Campaign group Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN) has described the plan as a "land grab". While Winford Parish Council, which owns the common, warned that the "unnatural lights" would be an "eyesore" and could harm wildlife.

An airport spokesperson said it will "review all the comments" and publish a report when a planning application is submitted in early 2026.

Residents and politicians have had six weeks to voice their views during a consultation which ends later.

Last year, the airport announced its "Masterplan to 2040", detailing its long-term vision to provide long-haul flights to destinations such as the Middle East and the east coast of America.

To accommodate long-haul aircraft, it needs to "relocate the existing approach lighting and install additional safety features" at the end of the runway.

An airport spokesperson said the lighting would be "positioned in small parcels of land" - about 0.45% of the total area of the common - "allowing for people to continue to use the vast majority of the open space".

But Winsford Parish Council has "strongly" objected to the proposals which it claims represents a "total lack of understanding" by the airport as to the significance of the common to the community.

Council leaders claim the "continuous light emissions" will not only drive wildlife away but will "negatively impact" residents.

They also claim the "increased noise and vibrations" from aircraft will have a "detrimental" effect on grazing cattle.

An airport spokesperson said it recognises the "impact" the lighting columns will have on the common but they will be painted grey to reduce their "visual impact" and the runway lights will be "constant, not flashing or strobing".

They added an initial assessment has also found the change in noise levels from arriving aircraft will be less than the human ear can detect while departing aircraft will be able to "take advantage of the slightly longer runway and use less thrust".

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