A CAMPAIGN group has accused Bristol International Airport of trying to expand by stealth .

A CAMPAIGN group has accused Bristol International Airport of trying to expand 'by stealth'.

Stop Bristol Airport Expansion says plans for a new £7million walkway submitted to North Somerset Council in December could allow a significant growth in passenger numbers and flights to slip through the net.

The application is for a covered walkway for people to get to the aircraft on the western side of the airport.

There are rules that allow a certain amount of development at the airport without having to consult with surrounding parishes or nearby residents, but campaigners say the walkway is a lot bigger than these rules allow.

They also say the number of passengers going through the airport will increase due to the lounges that will be built on the edge of it.

Calls for the application to be rejected have been made to ensure the plans do not slip through the back door.

Stop BAE wants them to be submitted as a planning application so that residents can look at them and give their opinion to North Somerset Council.

An airport spokesman said: "This development will not be a terminal expansion. The walkway has been planned to improve passenger's access to the aircraft.

"For many years there have been calls for a new route so travellers do not have go outside when moving between the aircraft and the terminal.

"The walkway is also intended to reduce emissions on site as it will mean buses will no long be used for this purpose.