Object
London Southend Airport and Environs Joint Area Action Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 14218
Received: 17/12/2008
Respondent: Mr J Bramble
Paragraph 1.5 'A key step in the process of establishing the JAAP was the preparation of an 'Issues and Options' report that provided an opportunity for all interested parties to have their say on the future development of London Southend Airport and its environs.'
That is manifestly NOT true. There cannot be many (if any) more interested parties than private residents, like ourselves who live near to or under the flightpath in close proximity to the airport itself. Yet we were not directly invited to contribute - in fact I did become aware of the existence of the report but only through a small item (not, I hasten to add, generated by the Council) in one of the local 'freebies' - and I can only assume that there were very many others in a similar position who were also excluded from the list of invitees. Indeed it is legitimate to ask whether Southend Borough Council directly consulted anyone apart from 'organisational stakeholders' on the 'Issues and Options' report. Prima facie, therefore, there has to be a very large question mark against the validity and credibility of the whole exercise, and it makes a nonsense of using the 'feedback' from it to prepare the 'Preferred Options' if, as appears to be the case, only one section of the community - with vested interests - was directly consulted.
I write with the reference to your letter dated 3rd November 2008 which enclosed a questionnaire relating to the above exercise. I have to say I was a little surprised to receive your letter in as much as I reside within the Borough of Southend and normally look to Southend Council to consult me on any planning applications likely to effect me.
I can only think that your letter to me may have been the result of the correspondence I have had over the years with your good selves, amongst others, on the proposals of the expansion of Southend Airport. Living as we do on the flight path to and from the airport this remains a vital issue for us and our future quality of life; and we feel strongly that it is only right and proper that we (and residents in a similar position to us) are directly invited to have our say on whatever conclusions the working party reach as the result of there consideration of the consultation exercise on the Joint Area Action Plan. We felt very aggrieved that we were not directly included in this exercise having only become aware through a relatively small item in the Southend Standard. I wrote to the leader of Southend Council as the result of this and was assured by him that opportunity would be given to all interested parties of all contribute.
We are particularly in a difficult position relating to the airport issue inasmuch as we reside in the area under the jurisdiction of Southend Council but, of course, the airport and issue relating to it fall in the responsibility of Rochford District Council. I would therefore welcome your assurance that we will be invited to contribute before proposals are set in stone and your advice as to when such an invitation is likely to be sent out and from which council.