PORTISHEAD is set to have more aviation fuel stored on its doorstep after plans to put more tanks into operation were given the green light.

A site at Redcliffe Bay, containing 13 tanks, was originally built by the Ministry of Defence as part of a network providing fuel to military air bases via underground pipes.

Five tanks are currently used to pump aviation fuel to airports around the country but the government’s Oil and Pipelines Agency has applied to open up another three.

After many debates, North Somerset Council’s north area committee recommended refusal of the application. However, based on reports from the Health and Safety Executive, its planning and regulatory committee has now approved the application. This will mean the storage of around 21,000 more tonnes of fuel at the site.

Many Redcliffe Bay residents have raised safety concerns and resident and former town councillor Colin Howells says he is surprised the authority feels it is able to recommend approval, despite residents objections.

He said: “Any increase in storage capacity will inevitably increase risk on site and to the residents of Redcliffe Bay.”

Portishead councillor Marilyn Koops, who lives in Redcliffe Bay, said: “There is an element of disappointment that the planning and regulatory committee did not support the decision of the north area committee.”