The anti-expansionists persuaded North Somerset Council planning committee last night that the proposed covered walkway to the western apron cannot go ahead as permitted development and will need to undergo the full planning process.
A Bristol Evening Post report describes airport officials as 'fuming' at the decision with chief executive, Paul Kehoe, saying he was 'extremely disappointed'.
The airport is yet to decide whether to appeal the decision. Mr Kehoe said, "We believe the proposal was permitted development and we need to think about what the council has said and move forward accordingly. An environmental own goal has been scored here tonight. The council has failed to understand its own officers and aviation advisors - there is a lot of emotion at the moment and we need to put a cold towel around our heads before deciding what to do next."
It does seem a peculiarly British thing that the future of a major regional facility is left to the whim of councillors from one small area of that region to decide on its future.