3 Vision and Objectives

(13) 3.1 Vision

The JAAP Vision is set within the context of the regeneration and growth of Southend as part of the Thames Gateway growth area. The shared Vision for the future development of London Southend Airport and its environs (i.e. the JAAP) is:

‘An area that realises its potential as a driver for the sub-regional economy, providing significant employment opportunities and ensuring the quality of life for its residents and workers. To achieve this, the area’s assets and opportunities for employment need to be supported and developed’

The Vision acknowledges that London Southend Airport is already a major employment location, for both aviation related businesses and general businesses. This is in spite of the airport having significant spare capacity for flights and the potential for new industrial and business premises to be developed adjacent to its existing area. Without employment growth in this area, it is considered that both authorities’ job targets will not be met.

The vision is supported in the current and emerging policy framework in the area.

The Southend-on-Sea Core Strategy (Adopted December 2007) has as its aim

‘To secure a major refocus of function and the long term sustainability of Southend as a significant urban area which serves local people in the Thames Gateway. To do this there is a need to release the potential of Southend’s land and buildings to achieve measurable improvements in the town’s economic prosperity, transportation networks, infrastructure and facilities; and the quality of life for all its citizens²’.

Supporting this aim, Objective SO11 is to secure the regeneration of London Southend Airport to enable it to reach its potential to function as a local regional airport providing for significant new employment opportunities and improved surface access subject to environmental safeguards. It is also reinforced by the Renaissance Southend Regeneration Framework vision:

‘Southend-on-Sea – the regional centre, hub for higher education and culture, a centre for international air services in South Essex – a great place to live, do business and visit!’³

The Rochford Core Strategy Preferred Options (Draft) sets an emerging vision to ‘make Rochford the place of choice in the county to live, work and visit’. Supporting this, the vision sees a flourishing new employment area underpinned by the growth on London Southend Airport that attracts high technology businesses and high value employment to the area.

(5) 3.2 Objectives of the JAAP

The following objectives were identified after consideration of the issues facing the area as well as the opportunities presented by the area. The objectives have been developed within the planning context and are in conformity with current national, regional and emerging local policy. They are the guiding principles for devising the options for the JAAP, with each of the options achieving some or all of the objectives to a different level.

The objectives are:

• Creation of sustainable and high value employment and other land uses within the study area
• Maximising the economic benefits of a thriving airport and related activity
• Ensuring appropriate improvements in sustainable transport accessibility and facilities
• Ensuring a high quality environment for residents whether expressed through noise pollution management or protection of green space
• Maximum return on public investment through attracting inward investment
• Efficient use of existing employment land resources.

The objectives outlined above can only be achieved through the resolution of key issues identified in the study area and also by exploiting identified opportunities.

²Source: Southend-on-Sea Core Strategy: Development Plan Document One (December 2007)

³Source: Renaissance Southend Ltd: Regeneration Framework 2007-2021 (September 2007)