PROPOSALS for a controversial helicopter base in Almondsbury have been granted planning permission.

The site adjacent to the A38/M5 junction, which has been put forward by BAE as a new base for the National Police Air Service and the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, had been opposed by a large number of residents from both Almondsbury and Bradley Stoke over concerns of noise pollution, night flights and infringement to the green belt.

The air ambulance service, which is currently situated at the former Filton Airfield, had been seeking a new home following plans to develop the airfield, with an expected 2,675 new homes on the way.

Permission for the development had previously been granted in October last year, but was quashed in a judicial review earlier this year.

More to follow…