Comment
London Southend Airport and Environs Joint Area Action Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 14219
Received: 17/12/2008
Respondent: Mr J Bramble
Paragraph 1.7
'We invite your views on the preferred option presented in this document'.
In the light of the glaring deficiencies surrounding the so called 'consultation' exercise carried out on the 'Issues and Options' report it is reasonable to ask to whom the invitation to comment has been extended this time around. I have to say that the signs are no more promising. I personally did receive notification of the publication of the 'Preferred Options' document and an invitation to comment thereon (hence this response!) NOT from Southend but from Rochford District Council - presumably as a direct result of my past correspondence with Mr Scrutton on the subject of airport expansion. However, like so many people on or close to the flightpath, we reside within the Borough of Southend and pay our council tax to Southend Borough Council. We have heard nothing from Southend Council nor, vitally, have neighbours and friends in the immediate vicinity to whom I have spoken. All the indications would seem to be that once more the direct invitation list has not been extended to many private residents who have most to lose if the 'Preferred Option' should come to fruition. Not having been consulted first time around they would, of course, anyway be unaware of the three other scenarios on which the views of the 'chosen' ones (organisational stakeholders!) were invited. What an unholy mess!
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.