The JAAP needs to set out the planning policies framework that will support the future expansion and development of the airport as a regional airport in accordance with the Government's Air Transport White Paper (2003) and the Policies E7 and T12 of the East of England Plan. The planning policy framework should support the airport's masterplan that seek air passenger growth to 2 million passengers per annum with the development of commercial flights for passenger based aircraft.

The JAAP should also safeguard and support the future land for employment to attract new aviation based businesses locate and for the existing local businesses at the airport to expand, businesses that will build upon its current role for repair, maintenance and overhaul of aircrafts. Policies E3 and E4 of the East of England Plan support the safeguarding of strategic employment sites and the development of employment clusters. Southend-on-Sea is a strategic urban centre and has an important role for economic growth and regeneration in the South Essex sub-region. The current employment land is very restricted and future expansion of employment use on the adjoining greenfield sites will increase opportunity to new business investment in the sub-region. This is supported by the East of England Plan.