Q4.2 How can the airport best be developed to drive and support the local economy?

A balance very much needs to be struck. The airport needs to develop to provide employment and economic growth to the local community, but we cannot ignore the geographical situation.It is situated in a built up residential area which would be adversly effected by too many additional flights. Green space is a rarity in the area and we must protect it. For these reasons I beleive option '2a medium growth' would suit all in the area best.

I do not have a computer. I am sorry I have tried to answer the questions but feel I haven't got all the information! Haven't been much help. Felt the need to complete as you sent a stamped addressed envelope. Sincere apologies.

The assessment of the very comprehensive and all assets and issues are fully covered in the Report.

The airport needs to develop its role for commercial flights and as air passenger destination whilst continuing and expanding its business operation for aviation related maintenance, repair and overhaul market. The expansion of the airport operation and the related growth of the aviation cluster within the airport and the adjoining business area have the opportunity to safeguard existing jobs and create new jobs. The length of runway needs to be extended in order to create opportunity for airlines to operator from London Southend Airport with the bigger aircrafts and place Southend-on-Sea a destination on the air commercial flight operators. There are likely to be many benefits associated with the expansion of commercial flights, in particular improvements in the local infrastructure that will arise through the expansion of the airport, enhancement of the local facilities and increased economic benefits through business growth in the aviation and services industries.

Further to your request for observations on the four scenarios set out in your Plan, I would comment as follows:

1. If it was not for the pressure of an expansion of the airport the majority of the suggestoins would not have arisen. Such jargon as environmental enhancement and mitigation are being used to cload the pressure exerted for a commercial gain by the airport operators.

2. If the runway is to be extended and/or Eastwoodbury Lane is to be closed with the new section of roadway built then some of the proposals for additional commercial use might be justified but certainly not the absurd proposal in scenario 3 to relocate the rugby club. The club has a valuable clubhouse which would be very expensive to replace without any tangible benefit envrionmentally or otherwise. There is already a surplus of commercial property and more empty units will benefit noone.

3. Although it would appear as irrelevant to the airport expansion a case can be made out for some development in the Brickworks site.

To sum up I am of the opinion that the best option for the residents of Rochford and Southend is Scenario 1. Further development of the airport would increase both noise and pollution and the detrimental effects on the residents far outway the commercial benefits, mainly to the operators.

I think the airport has so much potential and to keep it as it is is a waste when it could bring so much to area.

I think the airport is an asset going to waste through under use.

There is great local demand for European flights whether day trips or holiday flights. During 70's and 80's Southend Airport was extremely busy and European flights were often wait-listed as flights were full.

How will a new station affect Rochford Station?

is the airport a suitable investment opportunity to drive and support the local economy? The evidence base document does not provide tangible benefits/costs

by leaving well alone

The airport should not be used to drive the economy. There are many other less environmentally damaging ways to develop and support the local economy.

The local economy is very healthy and does not need to driven or supported by the airport.

Southend Airport and Environs Joint Area Action Plan consultation (JAAP)

Response from Hilary Davison

2.1 Are the assets of the JAAP area fully reported and understood?
No. Rochford Hundred Golf Course And Rochford Tennis Club are not recorded

2.2 Are there any important assets missing from the assessment?
No

3.1 Do you agree with the overall vision for the JAAP?
Yes

3.2 Do the objectives set out cover the key requirements from the area?
Yes But with following amendments
b) Insert local regional after thriving
c) add to end are in place before any expansion of the airport and other areas of the JAAP.
d) remove whether; change or for and

3.3 Are there any other objectives that might help to guide the selection of the preferred option/options and JAAP?
Major public and private transport infrastructure improvements
To protect & enhance biodiversity issues within the area covered and those outside that may be affected by the JAAP area

4.1 What do you see as the role of London Southend Airport in the future?
1. Provide air transport and aviation related industries
2. To secure regeneration to enable it to reach its potential to function as a local regional airport (SBC Core Strategy, Objective SO11)
More on Newquay model expending to Norwich model with required infrastructure. Catering for the niche UK market bringing more passengers in and out and increasing the tourist market.Destinations to N & Central Europe. Thereafter look to northern and central continent, CI and Ireland targeting 'short break market'
3. Act as a driver for the economy

4.2 How can the airport best be developed to drive and support the local economy?
Airport expansion along with economic/business improvements work best as a package. It should be consequential to, and not specifically be the driver.

4.3 What role should the JAAP play in supporting wider employment growth in the sub-region?
JAAP to act as facilitator for both authorities to work together for the regeneration of the area

4.4 Is the area suitable for significant growth in employment?
Yes - But must consider whether growth in employment will create added vehicle movements & therefore an increase in air pollution & road congestion.
Major trunk road improvements vital

4.5 Will the area be attractive to investors?
Yes, if high or medium airport growth options are chosen; if leisure acvtivities are included and better tranportation is in place.

4.6 Are there additional options to consider?
Yes probable detrimental effect of relocation of existing businesses from other business parks in the vicinity causing displacement of labour and run down of other sites e.g. Progress Road, Purdeys Way and Sutton Road

4.7 Should the Green Belt be considered for revision? If so, how should it be revised?
Only the green belt within the airport perimeter should be revised and then only in accordance with airport expansion and safety issues The Area ii(a) should be considered for use for permitted expansion of Aviation Way Business Park (i.e.10acres[4.05h) only) within Green Belt Area as is the Old Brickworks
OR that only those areas be taken out of Green Belt designation

4.8 What enhancements to the environment and amenity of the area should be made? What are the priority areas?
General recreational enhancements for all the population, such as a Nature Park. To be funded out of Developers Contributions and Country Park be extended to take in all Green Belt land between Southend & Rochford
(2) Extra care and vigilance to prevent industrial waste polluting Eastwood Brook. This has been a problem in the past and probably will after expansion of industrial area

4.9 What do you see as the greatest potential impact of development in the JAAP and how can it be mitigated?
Carbon and aviation fuel emissions and noise pollution - Create a 20 year airport expansion plan with improved transportation included.
Have proper consultations with fixed based operators
Mitigation by restricting the types of aircraft used and restricting night flying

4.10 What do you consider to be the transport priorities for the JAAP?
Firstly, identify the cachment area targeted for airport passengers and the other component parts of the JAAP area and consider the new and improved roads required.
There is no conceivable answer to road improvements for the maximum number of passenger numbers considered in the JAAP
Road linkage to central Southend and to the west to be put in place before airport developments take place
As the number of passengers increases then consideration given to extra trains specifically for Southend Airport to and from London.

4.11 How can a shift from car use to other modes of transport be achieved?
Implementation of a travel plan for airport staff and businesses on the airport Park and Rde schemes with shuttle buses to/from the airport
Expensive parking fees at the airport and surrounding roads (with residents' permits)
Much improved local bus services to/from all local areas.

4.12 Do you agree with the proposed areas for change?
No

4.13 Are there any areas that should be added or removed? Why?
Remove
(ii) Agricultural land north of Aviation Way Business Park except :i (old brickworks)
ii(a) (10acres actually on the north side of Aviation Way itself, for limited development only)
iic (buffer zone)
(v) Agricultural land south of airport boundary, currently cricket pitch, agricultural land and private allotments, unless reserved for recreational purposes

5.1 Which is your preferred scenario for the future of the Southend Airport area
Replace with Medium Growth 2b Aviation Cluster

5.2 How could your preferred scenario be further enhanced?
By not revising any Green Belt except what lies within the airport boundary and i + iia + iic
A better mix of leisure inc. theme parks, office and light engineering

5.3 Are there any other scenarios which you feel have not been considered? Expansion of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul operations within area (iii) Land at end of Aviation Way
2. Accept that the prevailing road and rail infrastructure is inadequate and cannot easily be enhanced to accommodate an international airport.
Look at a regional airport on the lines of Newquay initially and engage with fixed based operators to plot the way forward with an agreed plan over say 20 years
Ensure that the plan covers both inward and outward passengers to support local needs in air travel requirements and as part of the promotion of Southend and its locality for the tourist industry

The Airport needs to have the appropriate facilities and infrastructure to enable it to serve the local and regional community and to attract airlines and other aviation related businesses. In particular this means:
• A longer runway, suitable for the modern regional passenger aircraft used by most of the European airlines, such as the A319, Embraer 190/195 and B737 â€" 500s (not the bigger 737's or larger aircraft) and the new Bombardier C Series, all suitable for services to all European cities for business and Mediterranean leisure destinations.
• improved operational facilities such as a new control tower
• better customer facilities such as a hotel and new terminal
• improved access primarily in the form of a rail station but also in terms of other public transport, sustainable modes, adequate roads and car parks
• additional land on which to attract new inward investment and jobs directly related to the airport.
In summary, a thriving regional airport will 'put Southend on the map' and serve the expanding Thames Gateway region and South Essex.

Enough of the broken dreams, we have a great opportunity here, lets grab it with both hands and make it happen (and yes, I do live on the flightpath).

The airport needs to be able to realise its full potential by developing into a regional airport with an extended runway enabling all other airport developments and enhancements to take place.This would assist in safeguarding existing jobs as well as developing new high value jobs, especially in the MRO sector.

The airport should be closed down, with the built up parts of the airport, including car parks, redeveloped for business / residential with ancillary development including an element of retail.

Don't focus on the aiport development as a solution for economic growth. The world will be a very different place in the years and decades to come. Look at other options for local employment e.g. local food production, knowledge industries.