BRISTOL Airport has appointed a new planning and sustainability director.

Clare Hennessey has previously worked with EDF Energy, leading the programme of planning and environmental consents needed for the decommissioning of nuclear power stations.

She has also worked on multiple other developments, including Hinkley Point C, London Crossrail, and the London Olympics.

Within the aviation sector, Clare has provided strategic advice to Gatwick Airport and to the Department for Transport on the National Policy Statement for Airport Expansion in the South East.  

In her new role at Bristol Airport, Clare will be in charge of shaping the airport's planning and sustainability strategies.

The appointment comes after the airport successfully secured 12 million passengers per annum planning permission. Work has already commenced developing the airport for the future. 
 
Dave Lees, CEO, Bristol Airport, said: “We are delighted to welcome Clare to the team, she joins Bristol Airport at an exceptionally exciting time. 

"Clare will oversee the development of our masterplan, sustainability strategy and partnerships. Working closely with stakeholders to meet our ambitious sustainability targets – in being one of the first UK airports to be a net zero airport operation by 2030. 

"Clare’s appointment will help us to build on the work already started, prioritising sustainability and responsible planning strategies for the future.” 

Clare, newly appointed planning and sustainability director, Bristol Airport, said: 
“I am excited to join the Bristol Airport team and I understand the important role Bristol Airport plays in the region. 

"It is a major tourism gateway, connecting the region for both business and leisure, and provides a wide range of business, tourism, and job opportunities. 

"I look forward to working with our stakeholders as we take forward the first of many transformational projects for the airport and masterplan for growth aligned with our sustainability goals.” 

Work has started on creating a transport interchange hub and multi-storey car park, the airport's largest ever capital project with a £60m investment.

It is hoped that the project will provide a larger public transport interchange hub, improved internal road system, enclosed – glazed airbridge linking car parks to the terminal and an additional multi-storey car park providing customer enhancements such as waiting rooms and rest facilities.