Protesters say runway extension will 'wreck' common

Protesters have called Bristol Airport's plan to use a public common to accommodate its runway extension a "land-grab".

The airport wants to lengthen its runway so it can accommodate larger planes, which would mean it can offer long-haul flights.

The development would see landing lights and fencing installed on part of Felton Common, in North Somerset. The airport has said it will provide replacement land.

At a protest on the common earlier Steve Clarke, from Bristol Airport Action Network, said: "It's going to completely wreck the common. They're basically doing a land-grab."

"This is common land. We don't think it's right to be taken for a commercial enterprise," Clarke added.

He said the landing lights would "completely divide" the common into two.

"The planes are going to be lower over the common, there's going to be access roads," he added.

"It's disingenuous for the airport to say it's not going to affect the common."

In a statement, the airport said it had consulted with residents and understood how important the open space was to local people.

"The proposal would not affect any bridleways or public rights of way, with 99.87% of the common remaining accessible," it added.

"As part of our wider proposal, measures include off-site planting, community resources to help maintain open spaces within the local area and a proposal for a dedicated community fund for our nearest communities which would see investment in community facilities and support local projects."

The airport submitted its plans for the expansion in March and North Somerset Council is reviewing the proposal.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.