In response to your letter dated June 25, 2008, I offer the following comments and suggestions in respect of the planned future development of London Southend Airport. I have to say that my knowledge of the Airport and the surrounding road patterns is limited, being a relatively newcomer to Rochford. Therefore I present my comments only in general terms.

Airport Expansion

The Airport perimeter will need to be expanded, as much as possible, to allow further development of business and operating services. I agree that the existing runway should be lengthened but it can only be extended in one direction, the S.W. as aircraft landing and taking off occasionally have to cope with a strong crosswind. Therefore, I suggest that the provision of a second runway should be included in the long term plan.

I notice that a taxiing strip crosses the runway at right angle. Is it possible that this strip could be lengthened in a N.W. direction and updated to runway status, for use as wind directions dictate. Admittedly this is a bold suggestion and the implementation of it would incur costly back-up facilities. However, presumably this whole project would require Government financial support.

Being a provincial airport with limited ground space for expansion, I think that any notion of long haul flights should be discarded. Having regard to the volume of passenger and baggage traffic that would be involved, I do not think that Southend terminal facilities would cope. The Joint Area Action Plan should be concentrated to the promotion of medium and short haul services. Presumably this will impose a limitation to passenger aircraft size. Even so, with engines as full power, noise and pollution at the point of take-off will need to be endured.

Control Tower

Consideration should be given early in the planning stage to the provision of a "state-of-the-art" control tower with the latest beacon and radar systems. The density of property surrounding the Airport demands the highest degree of guidance to aircraft arriving and departing.

Helicopter Station

If it is possible, space allocation wise, the following helicopter services could be considered:-

Police
Air Sea Rescue
Coast Guard
Air Ambulance
Postal Air Traffic

Hotel

The erection of a new hotel, within reasonable distance of airport passenger facilities and incorporating additional car parking, is an attractive proposition. Of course commercial viability would depend on guest potential. I suggest the inclusion of a mini Supermarket close to the Arrival Lounge.

Commercial Air Traffic and Light Industry

I have little knowledge of the present situation regarding either of these subjects and do not feel qualified to offer constructive comment. Clearly both must be developed but not to the extent that open green space is squandered.

Road and Rail Transport

A rail station and bust stop, each as close as possible to the passenger arrival and departure terminals is a must, and I note is under active consideration. Road alterations and new road construction will be necessary but I am not familiar with present road patterns to offer detailed suggestions.

If Southend Airport is to be enlarged, Airline Operators will need to entice passengers from East Anglia, East of London and even the North Kent area to maintain viability, bearing in mind that the Channel Rail Tunnel will represent severe competition.

The major roads in South Essex should be re-assessed. For fast, efficient, connections, capital expenditure will be unavoidable. Known traffic bottlenecks should be ironed out or bypassed. For the benefit of traffic from East Anglia, a more direct connection with the A130 and then to the A12 is needed. The A127 and in particular the A13 need improvement. I advocate flyovers and underpasses at roundabouts.

I regret that I have not been able to write in a more comprehensive manner, or have answered the remainder of your questionnaire but I hope that what I have written will be included for consideration in the coming planning stage.

PS May I add one late thought which is not specifically concerned with the Joint Action Plan. I would like Rochford Council to adopt the policy of planting woodland trees, in the Rochford District, wherever and whenever possible.