The public inquiry into Bristol Airport’s appeal against the decision by North Somerset Council to refuse the airport’s expansion plans will be heard in the summer.

The Government’s Planning Inspectorate (PINs) has set the start date for the inquiry for Tuesday, 20th July 2021. It is expected to last for four weeks.

The decision to reject the airport’s application to expand was made at a special meeting of the Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee in February and then confirmed by the same committee in March.

“A team of specialist consultants has been assembled to mount a robust defence of the Council’s decision and a senior QC has already been appointed to lead the case,” said Council Leader Cllr Don Davies.

PINs has allowed the airport to submit updated information before the appeal formally starts which takes into account the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. This information has now been received and the Council is notifying all those who commented on the original planning application so that they can make their comments on the appeal based on the most up-to-date submissions by the airport.

The airport has reported that the coronavirus pandemic has cut demand for flights in the short-term, but that it still needs to expand. They say the number could hit 12 million by 2030 – four years later than previously forecast – if the current cap of 10 million is lifted.

The airport goes on: “Early on during the pandemic, it was recognised that the virus would suppress demand for air travel in the short-term, both due to Government restrictions on travel and also as a result of a likely economic downturn, that could delay the point at which 12 million passengers per annum would be reached.

“Our forecasts assume that the impact of Covid-19 is ultimately a short-term issue, covering the next two to four years and that, over the period of the planning forecasts, more normal market conditions and drivers for growth will return.”

The airport documents say there remains an “acute need” to provide additional capacity and failing to expand “would constrain investment at the airport, see economic activity displaced from the South West, act as a barrier to overseas investment and result in a reduction in regional connectivity”.

A Bristol Airport spokesperson said: “As the UK emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that all regions of the country are given the opportunity to grow to their full potential and contribute to the national recovery effort.

“International trade and connectivity will become increasingly important as the UK completes its departure from the European Union – increasing aviation capacity is essential in delivering this goal.”

North Somerset Council will run a public consultation on the updated assessments.

To view and comment on the updated information submitted by the airport go to: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/airportappeal. Comments need to be submitted by January 6th.

The Council refused planning permission for the airport’s expansion due to the impact on the environment and the health of local people.