Overall, draft Policy ED4 (part 2) is sound as it is both justified and effective.

The proposed allocation of land north of London Southend Airport for employment uses is in accordance with the emerging Southend Airport Joint Area Action Plan (JAAP). It has been considered by the London Southend Airport & Environs study by Halcrow Group Ltd (June 2008) and is taken into account in the Rochford Employment Land Study by GVA Grimley (September 2008).

The development of the Brickworks Site, as part of the area known as 'north of London Southend Airport', will bring many benefits. The site is previously developed land and currently lies derelict and detracts from the surrounding landscape. Redevelopment will enhance the area and enable the clean up of the site which is likely to incur significant costs.

Whilst the draft policy encourages an Eco-Enterprise centre, it is important that the potential for other employment generating uses are not stifled because of this. It is therefore imperative that the importance of the feasibility study is explicitly stated in the policy, as is proposed. This study will need to examine market conditions, demand for eco-enterprise space, cost of build etc.