A NEW helicopter base in Almondsbury, that was given planning permission despite strong opposition from residents, is set to begin construction later this month.

Proposals for the heli-base, near the M5 motorway junction, were put forward by BAE Systems as a new home for the National Police Air Service (NPAS) and the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC).

Planning permission was granted in October 2015, with a resident’s action group subsequently taking South Gloucestershire Council to judicial review, a move that proved unsuccessful.

With construction set to begin at the end of September, it is expected that NPAS and GWAAC will formally move to the site from Filton in autumn 2018.

As part of the conditions for planning permission, a forum has been set up for residents to present any issues regarding the development to the groups behind it.

The group, which includes the parish council, BAE and their agent Alder King, GWAAC and NPAS will meet twice during the course of the construction, with Almondsbury Parish Council presenting any issues raised to them by residents.

The council declined the suggestion by Alder King and BAE to take the lead in the forum, but have requested for two representatives from the villagers to also be included.

A BAE Systems spokesman said: “We’re pleased that the construction work on the new Air Operations base at Almondsbury will soon be starting.

“It is anticipated that Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and the National Police Air Service will move from Filton to Almondsbury during the second half of 2018.”

A GWAAC spokesman said: “The start of construction is a key milestone in ensuring our long term future.

“We need to move from Filton airfield and the new site will give us a modern base from which to provide our life-saving service and continue to treat critically ill and injured patients for many years to come.”

Phil Hall, chairman of Almondsbury Parish Council, said: “An item regarding the heli-base development will be on the agenda at each meeting throughout the course of the development and we encourage anyone who wishes to raise a point to come and speak to us.”

Comments can also be sent to info@almondsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk.