Policy ENV6 - Green Buffer East of Railway

The pretence this policy makes of "protection to the amenities of the residential properties on Southend Road" is laughable. This is woefully inadequate to provide any meaningful protection from the noise and pollution generated by LSA.

I believe this low grade land should be considered for use to facilitate a bus/rail interchange facility (linked to SERT plans) and also support car access for dropping off (to the station only), as well as pedestrian access to the station from the Southend/Rochford Road.
This would reduce traffic loading on the entrance to the Airport Retail Park/Airport entrance and also offer benefits to the non-airport community by providing easier access to the station.

Alternative provision for loss of green belt facility (such as it is!!) should be provided by environmental enhancement elsewhere.

ALL WATER RECYCLING SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED ON ALL AREAS OF THE AIRPORT INCLUDING WHERE NEW HANGAGE IS CONSTRUCTED OR AREAS DESIGNATED FOR AIRCRAFT WASHING FACITLTIES

Can we assume that JAAP has been honest and informed Network Rail that is pushing for legal enforcement of Compulsory Purchase over their land and railway track ?

An opportunity exists to improve access to the airport by creating a transport interchange in this area whilst retaining its role as a green buffer. It is recognised that the case would need to be made at the time, but this role has not been fully explored and therefore the option of a public transport interchange whilst retaining a green buffer should be retained.

The pretence this policy makes of "protection to the amenities of the residential properties on Southend Road" is laughable. This is woefully inadequate to provide any meaningful protection from the noise and pollution generated by LSA.

Why was the so-called 'Buffer Zone' ever created? Apart from being more aesthetically pleasing for those residents who live opposite, I wonder whether there was a misguided element of protectionism for Rochford Station involved (which is not and is unlikely to be under threat of closure) in prohibiting access to the Eastern side of the new airport rail station. Retention of the 'Green Buffer Zone' should now be abandoned, not only in the interests of the further success of the airport, but also for the convenience of residents in the surrounding area (along and behind Southend Road). At this time, their use of the airport railway station appears to be discouraged! Pedestrians are particularly penalised, their having to journey over Warners Bridge and along the airport terminal road. The feasibility of walking to Rochford Station being even more daunting. It should be remembered that a few years ago the Chief Planning Officer of Rochford District Council recommended that the building of the airport station be not approved as he suggested that it would encourage people to work in London! This nonsensical view has, of course, been utterly discredited, but has it influenced the present policy? Insistence on retaining the buffer zone is contrary to the underlying JAAP policy of building on the success of the airport and will prove to be a costly mistake. Whilst undeniably more pleasant for the properties opposite in Southend Road, there can be no disputing that the area in question would make an admirable Bus/Coach park and possibly a drop off point. The roadway immediately outside the terminal building is already only just adequate, the area not lending itself for expansion without detrimentally affecting other aspects of the development between the terminal building and rail station. In the future this could prove to be a real problem as airport vehicular traffic increases as the airport gets busier. This is combined with the fact that quite frequently there is traffic congestion at the Harp House roundabout, being caused primarily by customers of the ever popular Airport Retail Park. The impact on vehicles entering or leaving the airport is, at times, most unsatisfactory and not befitting a brand new London Airport.
The unused pedestrian entrance on the down-line (East side) platform should be opened up to provide access to the airport via the airport rail station. It is really absurd not to capitalise on this entrance which is already there ready and waiting. The possibility of developing the 'Buffer Land' fronting Southend Road into a much needed Bus and Coach Park/Drop Off point should not be dismissed and ultimately will prove to be essential. Whilst a staunch supporter of the Green Belt, I consider that the land in question is little more than an oasis and should be surrendered for the greater commercial good of the airport and the local economy. No doubt, there would be opposition from some residents living opposite, particularly as official undertakings were given that the land in question would be retained as a 'green buffer'. Compensation would have to be considered for reneging on the undertaking (which should never have been given) and for the less attractive outlook and possible inconvenience. There will, however, be those who appreciate the far easier access to the airport and rail services on the Greater Anglia Line.
Road improvements to accommodate access (possibly involving a roundabout) would be necessary and some of the green buffer land in question may provide the area required.
To date, the success of the airport has been nothing short of phenomenal, rising as though a Phoenix from the ashes. Local politicians will recognise that this success has been due to the foresight and huge financial commitment made by the Stobart Group. This achievement has been made despite the dire economic climate in which they have operated and had the financial environment been healthier, then the success story would have been even greater. However, due to the continuing economic uncertainty, the present pace of ever increasing passenger numbers cannot be taken for granted. Britain is particularly affected by the Chancellor's adherence to the unfair Air Passenger Duty, a tax that has been abandoned by more enlightened nations, such as the Netherlands.
The new JAAP public consultation and all it encompasses confirms a commitment and vision not seen by the Southend and Rochford local authorities of old, yet the proposed intention of retaining 'The Green Buffer East of Railway' is utterly preposterous. To deem retention as 'essential' is totally at odds with the new found enlightenment.
In my view, 'Essential' is applicable to the provision of the Bus and Coach park to which I have referred. To deny use of the land for this purpose, or at the very least for pedestrian access, is contrary to all that the JAAP aspires.
Finally I would draw your attention to the wording in Policy T7 Environment Policies, Line 1, 2nd Para. 'The airport is a unique facility and it is essential that it is provided with every opportunity to grow and flourish.'

This always been site of travelling circus and therefore surely must be given past use an available traveller pitch?

Please find attached a representation form and representations submitted on behalf of Essex County Council to the Draft Submission Document for the Southend Airport and Environs Joint Area Action plan, February 2013.

Please find attached a representation form and representations submitted on behalf of Essex County Council to the Draft Submission Document for the Southend Airport and Environs Joint Area Action plan, February 2013.