Please find enclosed our initial representations on behalf of Bellway Homes regarding the consultation for the draft London Southend Airport and Environs Joint Area Action Plan Submission Document.

We support the broad aim of the document, that being to provide a framework for the expansion and growth of the London Southend Airport and its Environs. In particular, we support the strategic promotion and growth of the airport and its environ for an focus for employment.

We welcome and endorse the allocation of the airport and its environs as an employment growth area, and agree with the proposal to allocate new and enlarged business parks in order to provide for a significant amount additional employment floorspace.

The allocation of a new business park, Saxon Business Park, with around 99,000sqm of employment floorspace is welcomed, as is the allocation of a new Business Park in Nestuda Way with around 10,000sqm of employment floorspace.

The JAAP uses the methodology set out in the Homes and Community Agency's 'Employment Densities Guide - 2nd Edition 2010' document in order to calculate the likely employment density ratios for different forms of development. We consider that this is the most appropriate method for calculating employment densities, and as such expect Southend-On-Sea Borough Council to use this when assessing future site allocations and development proposals.

By facilitating and encouraging growth in employment floorspace within the Southend Airport region, this should enable under utilised employment sites elsewhere in the Borough to be brought forwards for alternative uses including mixed use/residential. Clearly each site would be considered on its own merits, and the presumption in favour of sustainable development and the requirement to boost housing provision as set out in the NPPF would be part of this consideration.
I trust that the above comments are clear and will be taken into account. In the meantime should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.