The Government White Paper on Air Transport (2003) supports the development of regional airports such as London Southend Airport. The East of England Plan (Regional Spatial Strategy), Policies E7 and T12 also supports the enhanced management and development of the regions airports, including London Southend Airport, to meet national and regional objectives for economic growth and regeneration.

The Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Core Strategy and the Rochford District Council Local Plan also support the future development of the airport and development of the employment area for future economic growth.

The Regeneration Framework prepared by Renaissance Southend (2007) sets out the key priorities for the future regeneration of Southend. The airport is seen as the driver for economic growth and for the regeneration of Southend and the South Essex Sub-region. The future development and expansion of the aviation based industrial/business cluster around the airport is identified as building upon the existing industrial and business activity supporting g the airport operations. The various employment areas along the A127 transport corridor have an important role for economic growth and in creating employment opportunities in the sub-region.