Bristol Airport's expansion plan rejected by councillors
Bristol Airport's expansion plan, which it said would boost its passenger capacity by two million a year, has been rejected by councillors.
Ten million people a year can travel from the airport and bosses wanted to build a new car park and transport hub to boost that to 12 million.
Bristol Airport said the expansion would stop millions of people from the region driving to London airports.
But North Somerset councillors said it would be harmful to the environment.
Passenger numbers at the airport are currently 8.9m a year but it has a capacity of 10m.
The application had about 8,800 objections from members of the public and 2,400 messages of support.
Councillors voted 18-7, with one abstention, to reject it.
Bristol Airport chief executive Dave Lees said the decision risked "putting the brakes" on the future growth of the region.
He said they would reflect and consider whether to appeal or submit fresh plans.
Ellen Nicholson, South West Wilshire Lib Dems Parliamentray Spokesperson said ' it would be better to improve the public transport links from Bristol city centre to the airport, the airport is so awkward by public transport it's almost easier to use Heathrow, Gatwick or Luton. Any thought of expansion without significant improvements to access is a nonsense' .