Q4.6 Are there additional options to consider?

Not as far as I can see.

stop calling it london southend airport....! It is not in london and it will be confusing for anyone who comes into the country

Yes, close the airport and use for housing

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 Issues and Options Report has adequately considered all the options that may be applicable in respect of London Southend Airport. Given the various physical constraints and the issues of accessibility, some growth of the Airport can be achieved. The four scenarios set out what can be achieved however, there is an opportunity that an agreed growth option may be a combination of Scenarios 2b and 3, allowing for a high level growth to be achieved through a more managed/controlled criterion.

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.

Please let us all know how much the expansion will cost us and the projected profits for the investors. Really investing money in increasing tourism to Southend would be money better spent. There's no reason why Southend can't become another Brighton, with the right vision, investment and will.

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

Thank you for consulting the MILTON CONSERVATION SOCIETY re the above proposal.

This matter was discussed by the Society Committee which decided that as a Conservation Society it is not appropriate to comment on the broad issues of airport developmen

However the Committee did feel that in the planning negotiations commutation should be obtained to protect and
enhance the Conservation areas of both Rochford and Southend so as to protect the local historical heritage.

Will you please make sure that this is given priority in negotations with airport developers.

Using Google Earth I have noticed that none of the London Airports have as close residential areas as Southend has,so they do not have the polution problems that we already suffer.

The options considered in Sections 4.2 and 4.3 are a comprehensive range for these Issues. In Section 4.2, our view is that only Option iii would enable airlines to operate new, efficient aircraft.

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.

Believe that all the options are covered.

Yes, there are plenty of other options!

Developing good quality leisure facilities e.g. swimming pool with slides and flumes, snow dome, Center Parcs type leisure complex would mean that people came to the area and spent their holiday money in Southend and Rochford, rather than flying off on a polluting plane and spending their money out of the country.

This would provide facilities for local people to use, as well as increasing local employment opportunities.

Always, but where do you stop?I believe you have to start somewhere and the options offered seem to have covered the important issues and any minor changes can be made during the consultation period.

Yes developing the area for the recreational benefit of local residents.

Please see the South East Essex Friends of the Earth response to Renaissance Southend plan for Southend. This set out a range of ways in which eco-tourism and other strategies could be used to boost employment opportunities in the area.

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.