Q4.3 What role should the JAAP play in supporting wider employment growth in the sub-region?

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).

4.3 Redevelopment of those parts of existing business areas in the JAAP area should be encouraged, together with the brownfield element of the airport for a mixed use development. It should not have an aviation focus, as with growth of the population in the surrounding settlements the airport is now an anachronism. In addition, to combat climate change, an airport that serves no essential purpose should be closed.

The airport is badly sited to expand in the centre of a
residential area.Please use common sense and put the monies to better use.
Where did the money come from to fund this consultation,when we cannot
repair the cliffs or fund other public services.

Agree with Mr Syers 1957. There is scope for wider employment without expansion of the airport.

The local authority should be vigorously supporting and promoting renewable energy sources like solar water heaters and ground source heat pumps. Imaginative ways of promoting these technologies locally have been offered to Southend Borough Council. There is as yet no sign that this local authority is ready to meet its responsibilities to the future inhabitants of the borough.

I do not beleive that it is sensible to rely on one major employer in any area as downturns in the aviation industry would be disastrous for employment.

I refer to your letter of 23rd June 2008 regarding the above joint area action plan and would like to offer the following consultation response.

Castle Point Borough Council is supportive of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and Rochford District Council in their plan to prepare a joint area action plan for London Southend Airport and its Environs. As part of the Thames Gateway South Essex it is recognised that Southend is a key centre and that employment opportunities created at London Southend Airport will benefit residents of Castle Point.

It is therefore important for Castle Point that the scenario for the development for this location ensures that the airport is a major economic and employment driver within the sub-region in order to meet wider employment needs and generate wider sub-regional growth.

It is also considered important that the joint area action plan ensures good levels of accessibility to new employment oppoturnities in this location, by a range of different means of transport, with a focus on sustainability and reducing congestion.

I trust this response is of assistance to you. However, should you have any further queries regarding this consultation response please do not hesitate to contact Amanda Raffaelli using the details provided at the top of the page.

Public perception may target the large commercial operators as noise and frequency concern some. However the airport has the potential to be a market leader in small (transatlantic capable) business aircraft and services which bring bespoke services and prestigous passengers and aircraft. This also relies on the runway extension.

Would love to see the Airport expand and to be able to fly to European destinations.

You have my full support. Please do not let blinkered people stop the needed expansion and the much needed regeneration of this has-been town!

The website was difficult to access and badly presented as a public consultation this is a shame as it does not give the public a clear view of what the options are. It seems clear to me that the decision to expand the airport has already been taken without proper considerations of the impact on the community or the environment.

This opportunity cannot be missed, standing still is not an option. Economic growth of the area is at stake. The airport is the catalyst, without development of this site Southend will remain a seaside resort and a seaside resort only - doesn't give many employment opportunities. Its no good giving good further education to school leavers if they up sticks and move out of the area!

Development of the airport and the lengthening of the runway has been proposed many times before. Without a positive decision one way or the other, little enthusiasm can be expected from prospective investors and developers to bring businesses to the current limited facility and its surrounding area.

The gain from Scenario 3 out weighs any losses for the Southend Area. As the area's population continues to rise due to new housing, the extra employment is a must.

Southend airport immediate catchment area is greater than most airports in the UK. It is also one of the clearest if not the best for weather conditions. Sell this point!

The opportunity to expand the airport should not be missed, with the Olympics in 4 years time and the airport is not ready golden opportunity is missed as London City is full to capacity and has proved successful.

Encouragement of light aviation by lowering exorbitant landing fees and parking fees.

What will JAAP do for the GA side of aviation and its maintenance. If the airport gets bigger will it push smaller a/c out. Will it keep me in a job?!

The main problem regarding development of the airport is the impact on the road infrastructure which has not been addressed by this report. The Cherry Orchard Way was constructed to allow easy access to Southend thus relieving the Ashingdon Road and Southend Road. It was promised that no new development would be allowed along it except the business park at the Southend end, which had already had permission and had been released from the green belt back in 1985. The Brickwork site was to be returned to arable land as per conditions in the original permission for brick earth extraction.

Rochford should not be called upon to relieve Southend of their obligations to provide employment land. The report says that there is scope for intensification of employment land. This should be done before any new land is released.

Since the expansion of Stansted and London City airports, Southend airport has declined it has also lost its airspace. There is little scope for improvement any new facilities proposed do not match Stansted which at least has the road infrastructure. The proposed diverting of Eastwoodbury Lane and dualing of Cherry Orchard Way and extra access points would cause traffic problems during construction and loss of arable land.

The only realistic scenario is option 1 low growth. The other scenario will have great environmental impact of traffic, pollution and visual to the detriment of Rochford District residents.

These are the responses to the Southend Airport and Environs JAAP consultation from Leigh-on-Sea Town Council.

2.1 Are the assets of the JAAP area fully reported and understood?
No

2.2 Are there any important assets missing from the assessment?
Rochford Hundred Golf Course, Rochford Tennis Club and an ancient orchard off Eastwoodbury Lane

3.1 Do you agree with the overall vision for the JAAP?
No, it doesn't include the impact that the developments at the airport would have on the wider area.

3.2 Do the objectives set out cover the key requirements from the area?
Yes, but with the following amendments (underlined):
. Creation of sustainable and high value employment and other land uses
. Maximising the economic benefits of a thriving local airport and related activity
. Ensuring appropriate improvements in sustainable transport accessibility and facilities are in place before any expansion of the airport and other areas of the JAAP
. Ensuring a high quality environment for residents of the wider area expressed through noise pollution management or protection of green space
. Maximum return on public investment through attracting inward investment but only if it is the right investment
. Efficient use of existing employment land

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 and 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)
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?
Low scale economic growth. Change to JAAP to act as a facilitator for both Authorities to work together for the regeneration of the area.

4.4 Is the area suitable for significant growth in employment?
No, not without significant surface transport improvements.

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

4.6 Are there additional options to consider?
No reply

4.7 Should the Green Belt be considered for revision? If so, how should it be revised?
No

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.
The Country Park should be extended to take in all land between Southend and Rochford.
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 the industrial area.

4.9 What do you see as the greatest potential impact of development in the JAAP and how can it be mitigated?
In respect of Leigh, actual and perceived increase in noise, pollution and traffic congestion.
Mitigation by:
. Restricting the types of aircraft used, numbers of flights and restricting night flying
. Creating a 20 year airport extension plan with improved transportation included.
. Having proper consultation with fixed base operators.

4.10 What do you consider to be the transport priorities for the JAAP?
Road linkage to central Southend and to the west to be put in place before airport developments take place
Identify the catchment area targeted for airport passengers and the other component parts of the JAAP area and consider the new and improved surface transport required.
There is no conceivable answer to surface transport improvements for the maximum number of passenger numbers considered in the JAAP.
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 Ride schemes with shuttle buses to/from the airport.
Expensive parking fees at the airport and controlled parking in surrounding roads.
Much improved local bus services to and 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 and
(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
Option 1 - Low growth (do minimum)

5.2 How could your preferred scenario be further enhanced?

5.3 Are there any other scenarios which you feel have not been considered?
Within the low growth scenario, expansion of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul operations within area (iii) Land at end of Aviation Way

London Southend Airport JAAP Issues and Options Report Representation on behalf of Cherry Orchard Homes and Villages PLC

We are writing on behalf of our clients, Cherry Orchard Homes and Villages PLC, to respond to the recently published draft Joint Area Action Plan for London Southend Airport. Our clients have an interest in the Cherry Orchard brickwork site.

Our clients are supportive of the proposals for growth set out in Scenarios 2a, 2b and 3, and in particular Scenario 3, and we set out below our reasons for supporting these options. Where are comments relate directly to one of the questions raised in the Issues and Options paper, we have referenced the question to assist in processing this response.

Employment potential and the overall Vision

At a strategic level, both Rochford and Southend districts have a requirement to deliver significant levels of new employment alongside the growth of housing and the achievement of other land-use objectives. Achieving employment growth requires the provision not just of sufficient land to enable businesses to growth, but also creating the conditions that encourage economic investment and business confidence.

Southend Airport offers not only a significant source of local employment and growth potential in its own right, but also the potential to act as a catalyst for employment growth in other sectors, irrespective of whether or not they have a direct link to the aviation industry.

The airport has the benefit of a readily accessible location, both in terms of public transport and the highway network. Unlike other potential employment locations in the eastern parts of Southend, it does not suffer from the same perceived image of being peripheral and inaccessible. Furthermore (and as set out in the Issues and Options document at section 2.3), the general quality of the building stock is high, and whilst there is undoubtedly scope for intensification and redevelopment within the Aviation Way business park, generally the image of the area is one of vibrancy and an 'up-market' business environment that attracts quality companies.

The expansion of the airport will serve to further reinforce the attractiveness of the area for business, both through major projects such as the new rail station, and through more general investment in local transportation and the local environment. The location also offers the potential for diversification in the local employment base, attracting new office and high tech development alongside the growth in aviation and engineering.

The identification of the airport as a strategic growth area, and the establishment of a clear framework through the JAAP, provides the opportunity to focus public and private sector investment in a consistent and co-ordinated manner to deliver the required infrastructure enhancement.

Within the above context, we would respond to Questions 3.1, 3.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5 as follows:

Q3.1 Overall Vision we agree with the overall vision as set out on page 33
Q3.2 Objectives we agree with the proposed objectives. In particular, we agree with the reference in the first objective to "other land uses", since the JAAP offers the opportunity to deliver complementary land uses alongside the focus on new employment as part of the achievement of a balanced growth package;
Q4.3 Role in the wider sub-region the JAAP has a significant role to play in helping Rochford and Southend meet their strategic requirements for employment growth up to 2021 and beyond;
Q4.4 Suitability for growth the area offers the potential to deliver a highly sustainable location for employment growth, alongside a clear strategy for infrastructure enhancements;
Q4.5 Attractiveness to investors the location offers a potentially prestigious environment for inward investment, and is likely to be highly attractive to the business community.

The Green Belt

The current boundary of the Green Belt follows an unusual course in the sense that for significant areas it does not follow any recognisable features on the ground. The most obvious example of this is the location of the Green Belt in relation to the airport, but equally in the vicinity of the Westcliff Rugby Club and Green Belt is drawn to bisect the adjoining tennis courts. Irrespective of the JAAP, there is a case for rationalising the Green Belt boundary in this area.

If unaltered, however, the Green Belt would act as a considerable constraint on the achievement of the land use objectives of the JAAP. In all but the low growth scenario some change to the Green Belt boundary would be required. In our view it will be important to ensure that a lack of land available for inward investment and employment generation does not undermine the objectives of the JAAP, and therefore we support an amendment to the Green Belt boundary.

In accordance with advice in PPG2, where the Green Belt is amended, it will be important to ensure that the alternative boundary is defensible in the long term, and that there will not need to be further amendments.

Not all of the land that may be released from the Green Belt would necessarily be developed in the short term, and the release of employment land in particular may be phased over the longer-term. However, we would suggest that it is important to ensure that any change to the Green Belt is robust in terms of setting an appropriate long-term boundary, and in our view Rayleigh Brook would provide a suitable alternative southern boundary to the Green Belt, with the airport and adjoining land south of the Brook excluded.

In response to Q4.7, therefore, we consider that the Green Belt should be revised, and the revised boundary should be Rayleigh Brook.

The Areas for Change

In response to Q4.12, we agree with the identified 'areas for change'. In particular, we agree with the identification of the Brickworks site as an area for change. We agree that this is an area in need of improvement, and that the quality of the area is poor in environmental terms.

We would add to the analysis by highlighting the fact that the Brickworks site provides a substantial resource of Previously Developed Land, totalling around 6 hectares. Our own technical investigations of the site have shown that the area is not at any substantive risk of flooding, that the ecological value of the site is low (subject to the retention of the boundary vegetation), and that access can be provided in a safe and convenient fashion from Cherry Orchard Way.

The Scenarios

We do not support Scenario 1. The 'low growth' scenario is tantamount to a 'no change' scenario and the opportunity that exists to utilise the airport to stimulate economic development and investment would be lost.

In response to Q5.1, we offer some support for Scenarios 2a and 2b, but our preference is for Scenario 3, which recognises the potential benefits of the area and seeks to deliver them as part of a comprehensive Masterplan aimed at achieving significant employment growth alongside full investment in infrastructure and environmental enhancement.

Cherry Orchard Brickworks

We support the identification of the brickworks site as a location for residential development under Options 2a, 2b, and 3. As indicated previously, our own technical studies have shown that the site is suitable for residential development, and an appropriate scheme would help to enhance the landscape in this location and make good use of an area of previously developed land. We envisage that redevelopment could be a catalyst for improving connections between the Country Park to the west and Rochford town centre to the east, and could contribute to the achievement of the objective for a visitor centre/heritage centre in the area.

On a broader level, we would suggest that the inclusion of an element of residential development as part of the wider land-use proposals for the JAAP would be entirely complimentary to the objectives for the area, both in terms of the local environmental enhancement and in terms of the co-location of housing with an area of employment expansion and transportation investment. The site would represent a highly sustainable location for residential development in that context, whilst helping to meet the overall requirement for new homes in Rochford district.
Overall

To conclude, we support the Vision and objectives of the JAAP, and we support the growth scenarios set out therein, and in particular Scenario 3.

I trust the above representations will be taken into account, and we look forward to acknowledgement of receipt in due course.

ROCHFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL & SOUTHEND-ON-SEA BOROUGH COUNCIL
LONDON SOUTHEND AIRPORT & ENVIRONS JOINT AREA ACTION PLAN ISSUES & OPTIONS REPORT
REPRESENTATION ON BEHALF OF COLONNADE LAND LLP

This representation to the Southend Airport JAAP Issues and Options Report is submitted on behalf of Colonnade Land LLP (CLLLP). Colonnade would like to play a full and active role in the JAAP process herein and be a key stakeholder.

CLLLP has major land interests in North Southend and South Rochford. CLLLP considers that the strategic development of land to the south and east of the aerodrome would form part of a new, comprehensive long-term regeneration strategy for the area based on achieving the following objectives:

. Unlocking the potential of London Southend Airport by developing it into a freight and passenger airport that serves the needs of the Essex Thames Gateway sub-region
. Enabling London Southend Airport to develop into an accessible employment pole of sub-regional importance
. Alleviating Greater Southend's serious road infrastructure deficiencies through the provision of additional east-west road capacity and expanding and developing an integrated public transport network
. Meeting the area's long term housing and job requirements in a sustainable way that addresses issues such as affordable and family housing, accessible links to employment centres and creating a high quality environment
. Unlocking the potential of New Ranges to enable its regeneration post 2031

CLLLP has established an effective working relationship with a prospective purchaser of the Airport. The bidder, which must remain confidential at this time due to the ongoing tender proves, have mutually shared views regarding the future of the airport and the wider area. CLLLP worked with the bidder in the preparation of their bid for the airport and if the bid is successful, the relationship will be strengthened further with CLLLP asset managing the landside property portfolio of the airport and advising and representing on the forward planning of the airport and associated strategic planning issues. Both parties would like to work with Rochford District Council and Southend Borough Council towards a long term (2031) strategy that achieves the objectives listed above. Whilst it is recognised that this strategy is to be developed over the next few years through the East of England Plan Review process and that the AAP only looks ahead as far as 2021, it is imperative that the Joint AAP provides a thorough analysis of the relevant policy context to address infrastructure, employment and aviation issues in a comprehensive, holistic and long term way. The comments below are provided to the questions and issues raised in the document and for ease of reference, presented in the same order in which they appear in the consultation document.

a) Assets, Opportunities and Constraints

Q2.1 and Q2.2

The opportunity to provide a new direct link road from the A127 to the airport site and beyond has not been identified. Peter Brett Associates, on behalf of CLLLP, have established that a route exists which would provide new highway infrastructure from the A127 (Prince Avenue) running east through to Rochford Road. The new road would require the demolition of a nominal number of existing properties, some of which are already under the ownership of CLLLP. Provision of this new infrastructure would enable Eastwoodbury Lane to be permanently closed to facilitate a runway extension whilst creating land parcels that could be suitable for development as new employment/business sites. Please refer to the attached diagram.

b) The JAAP Vision

3.1 Do you agree with the Vision?

CLLLP consider the Vision for London Southend Airport to be inadequate and unfit for purpose. Whilst the reference to the sub-regional importance of the airport as an employment driver is supported, CLLLP would like to see the Vision modified so that it highlights a commitment to developing the Airport into a small regional airport to serve the Essex Thames Gateway sub-region and a Vision that specifically highlights the need to provide first class infrastructure links for residents and workers. It is considered that the Vision as presented fails to identify the full range of actions required for Southend Airport to function as a successful airport, and fails to address the need to transform the transport infrastructure in the area, which is already at capacity and urgently needs to be rectified.

3.2 & 3.3 Do the objectives set out the key requirements and are there any other additional objectives that would help to guide the selection of the preferred option?

The outlined objectives are largely supported. However, the objectives fail to highlight the fundamental need to provide better accessibility to the regional highway network. An AAP must identify this as a key objective because the airport will not develop as either a passenger or freight airport without highway improvements and nor will the AAP area be accessible to Essex Thames Gateway residents and workers. The Vision and listed Objectives suggest that the road access is adequate to serve a thriving airport and a major employment centre. This is not the case and amendments are required. The airport cannot grow to the scale outlined in the Airport Masterplan with improvements to sustainable transport access alone due to capacity issues. The Airport's Business Plan states that 25% of passengers would travel by train and 75% by road.

c) Issues and Options

4.1 What do you see as the role of London Southend Airport in the future?

London Southend Airport will develop into a successful, small regional airport and a major employment centre in the future if its infrastructure requirements are met and in this regard, the commentary provided under Option iii) "Airport growth: extended runway and new facilities" encapsulates what could be achieved within a relatively short period of time. This is the only way that CLLLP envisage that the airport can be successfully developed as a passenger airport and employment centre. However, it must be emphasised that it will also require significant improvements to the local and regional road network and significant other infrastructure investment.

4.2 How can the airport best be developed to drive and support the local economy?

The airport must be developed to an appropriate level to drive and support the local economy this is evident from the text laid out in the consultation document. It is clear from the text that the airport will not develop as a passenger airport without a runway extension and commensurate investment in other infrastructure.

4.3 - What role should JAAP play in supporting employment growth in the sub-region?

London Southend Airport is one of two new employment growth poles in Essex Thames Gateway (the other being London Gateway). Given the East of England jobs target for the sub-region (55,000 net new jobs between 2001 and 2021), it is absolutely critical that both new employment centres maximise employment growth as far as possible. In this regard, the JAAP should be concerned with both direct and indirect airport and non-airport related growth. The JAAP should seek to maximise job growth at the airport, as well as the economic regeneration of Southend and the sub-region as a whole.

4.4 Is the area appropriate for significant growth in employment?

Inadequate road transport infrastructure and poor accessibility are the sole issues that weaken the attractiveness of Southend Airport as an employment destination and they must be resolved. From a strategic, geographic and spatial perspective, only if the transport infrastructure (both highway and public transport networks) can be improved, can the airport represent a sustainable and viable long term employment destination.

4.5 Will the area be attractive to investors?

The area will be attractive to investors if high quality facilities are created and crucial links to the primary highway network provided.

4.6 Are there additional options to consider?

Based on our experience, we believe that a new link road from the airport site to the A127 (as indicated on the attached plans) would facilitate the creation of new employment opportunities that would be attractive to investors. Value could be transferred from such development via mechanisms such as the Community Infrastructure Levy or a toll road to help fund the new road link.

4.7 Should the Green Belt be considered for revision? If so, how should it be revised?

CLLLP consider that the Green Belt does need to be revised and this revision should consider Green Belt land beyond the JAAP area as well as land within it. The airport itself should be removed from the Green Belt.

4.10 What do you consider to be the transport priorities for the JAAP?

The JAAP fails to recognise the necessity of a comprehensive transport strategy and programme of transport improvements to enable development at the scale envisaged by the East of England Plan and Southend Core Strategy. New and additional transport capacity will be required to offset the closure of Eastwoodbury Lane, to improve transport links to the rest of the sub-region, and to enable the core airport business to grow. The first step would be to secure (public or/and private) funding for a comprehensive transport study including the construction of a sub-regional transport model upon which to base future investment.

New highway infrastructure will need to dovetail with a comprehensive public transport strategy which must be geared around integrating the existing public transport systems that connect different parts of the sub-region to one another. The creation of multi-modal interchanges in Southend, Rochford and the JAAP area will be critical to achieving an integrated and attractive public transport network. Appendix 2 to this representation contains a conceptual map which identifies the potential for an enhanced and expanded network for 2030 based on the introduction of South Essex Rapid Transit (SERT) and enhanced connectivity to prospective future development areas.

4.11 How can a shift from car use to other modes of transport be achieved?

It is impractical to assume that the majority of people will use only rail based public transport to access the airport and this is reflected in the Airport's Business Plan which is based on an aspirational modal split of 25% of passengers travelling by rail and 75% travelling by road. Large parts of the sub-region cannot easily access the airport by rail and will look to travel to it using a private car, taxi or bus. In this regard, there will inevitably be an increase in traffic movements to the JAAP area over the next decade. The challenge for the future airport operator, with the assistance of the Councils and third party landowners, will be to improve the quality of all forms of public transport so that those people that have the opportunity to travel using public transport choose that option ahead of the private car.

A high level of modal split could be achieved at Southend compared to other regional airports of a similar scale given the existing public transport systems in place and the scope which exists to improve the network further. Multi-modal interchanges need to be developed to facilitate ease of movement between transport modes and thought needs to be given to how the airport fits within the wider public transport strategy for Greater Southend.

4.12 and 4.13

The areas for change are supported.

d) Potential JAAP Scenarios

5.1 Which is your preferred scenario for the future of the Southend Airport Area?

Scenario 3 High Growth is the preferred scenario of CLLLP. In this regard, it achieves the best strategic fit, it conforms to Development Plan policy and will make a major contribution to the growth and vibrancy of both the local and the sub-regional economy in the short, medium and long term. The other scenarios arguably do not conform to Development Plan policy and should be discounted. This is reflected in the strategic fit tables produced in the Issues and Options Document.

5.2 How could your preferred option be further enhanced?

The possible route for Eastwoodbury Lane replacement could be modified to reflect the route shown in the attached plans. This would contribute to the provision of an essential link in the sub-regional road network with the potential for the road to cross the railway line and open up East Southend to the sub-region's primary highway network. This would be of great benefit to existing businesses in the east of Southend and greatly assist the long term regeneration of New Ranges. Critically, it would reduce the pressure on the road network within the town and create badly needed additional road capacity. It is imperative that a demand management approach is implemented for both the existing and additional road network to bring about tangible improvements to traffic congestion in the area.

The new route would also create land parcels that could assist in the creation of a park and ride multi-modal interchange serving both Rochford and Southend town centres in addition to the airport, as well as new sites for business development.

e) Summary and Conclusions

CLLLP has formed a strategic partnership with a prospective purchaser of the airport. Colonnade already has substantial land interests in Southend that could extend to the airport itself if their partner's bid is successful. Colonnade's bidding partner considers that the airport provides a good strategic fit with its other businesses in the Thames Gateway and that with substantial investment in both on-site and off-site infrastructure, the airport can be sustainably developed into a successful regional airport and a new economic pole of sub-regional significance. CLLLP commissioned Peter Brett Associates (PBA) to consider the potential of a relief road that could provide a direct link from the A127 to the airport site and PBA are satisfied that this is technically possible. It would entail only nominal demolition of properties, some of which CLLLP already own. This presents a long term solution to the highway infrastructure problems that blight the area and should therefore be incorporated into the High Growth scenario, which CLLLP consider to be the only possible option for the JAAP.

CLLLP look forward to playing a full and active role in the development of the JAAP and would be delighted to explain their proposals further with both Councils and other key stakeholders.