London Southend Airport & Environs Joint Area Action Plan Issues & Options Paper

Southend Borough Council and Rochford District Council London Southend Airport and Environs Joint Area Action Plan Development Plan Document: Initial Consultation on Issues and Options

We are writing in response to your letter received on the 30 June, seeking views on the above document.

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with Development Plan Documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for:
• sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England, and in particular,
• the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) A Shared Vision: the regional economic strategy for the East of England, 2004).

The RES recognises the area as a priority for regeneration and growth as it lies within the Thames Gateway Growth Area. EEDA is also a core funder of Renaissance Southend and is providing expertise and resources to develop and implement key regeneration strategies for Southend.

You should be aware that the new RES is due to be published shortly and therefore as the JAAP progresses, this new strategy will need to be taken into account.



There is a strong level of strategic support for the development of Southend Airport. The Government's Air Transport White Paper identifies the important role that smaller airports can provide in meeting the demand for air travel. In addition, it identifies the important role that such airports can play in contributing to regional economic development, and in the case of Southend specifically the white paper also promotes the development of additional capacity for business aviation.

The Regional Spatial Strategy reiterates the support in the White Paper for the growth of Southend Airport to meet local demand and to contribute to local economic development, particularly in niche markets such as business aviation, passenger routes not served by larger airports and employment uses that would benefit from an airport location. The RSS also notes the importance of ensuring that proposals for airport expansion take account of the needs of surface access provision and the shift towards more sustainable travel modes.

The RES is similarly reflective of the Government's Air Transport White Paper. Goal 6, Priority 1 in particular, supports the sustainable growth of the region's airports and the business and employment opportunities that can occur as a result. Southend is identified specifically in ensuring that the region remains attractive to businesses. The RES also seeks to ensure that airport growth is planned for in an integrated matter with regeneration strategies, the supply of high quality employment land/space and road & rail infrastructure.

EEDA therefore supports the proposed expansion of the airport as articulated through the JAAP.
By maximising the benefits of the airport location to develop further employment opportunities, the Councils will not only be meeting the aspirations of the Air Transport White Paper, but also providing a significant contribution towards the regional job growth targets. This is important as the JAAP identifies the airport as playing an important role for the sub-region in meeting the job targets as set out in the RSS given its potential attractiveness and location adjacent to the A127 corridor.

The JAAP identifies three potential growth scenarios. EEDA's view is that in supporting the growth of the airport and delivering the scale of ambition as stated, then the aspiration must be to ultimately deliver Option 3, the High Growth scenario. The use of the airport and the potential for significant new business development is currently significantly constrained by a range of issues including the facilities, the scale of the runway and access to the airport itself. In order to fully address these issues in a sustainable manner, then the critical mass of development associated with Option 3 is likely to be required. In addition, whilst Option 2b will potentially deliver similar numbers of flights, this is likely to be less deliverable without the additional runway extension that is proposed through option 3.

Whilst there is clearly significant capacity for flights and the potential for new industrial and business premises, the JAAP also identifies, that for the current businesses in the area, proximity to the airport is not usually an important factor. In the light of this, in justifying the scale of development as potentially proposed, the document needs to be much clearer on the evidence of demand for airport based businesses and indeed, wider employment opportunities in this location and how the JAAP as proposed will meet this demand through the identified options. For example, reference to the Roger Tym & Partners work carried out in support of the Regeneration Framework and the Core Strategy might be appropriate.

In planning for growth, consideration also needs to be given to potential conflicts between the different users of the airport, particularly given the aspirations to grow passenger numbers. Care must be taken to ensure that in maximising the benefits of additional passenger flights, the niche business opportunities at the airport such as the business flights and the maintenance / repair industries are not compromised. It may be that in considering distribution of space and access and egress arrangements it may be desirable to group the aviation oriented jobs in one place -possibly with a layout design and management that could in due course allow them a secure entrance.

Finally, it must be noted, of course, that the development of option 3 will potentially have environmental impacts on the local area and in particular, will require some reconsideration of green belt boundaries to the north. In the light of this, if the Councils' are to pursue a high growth scenario for the airport, then a strong case linking demand to the requirement for this green belt land will need to be made.

If you would like to discuss any of these matters in further detail, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address.

Southend Borough Council and Rochford District Council London Southend Airport and Environs Joint Area Action Plan Development Plan Document: Initial Consultation on Issues and Options

We are writing in response to your letter received on the 30 June, seeking views on the above document.

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with Development Plan Documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for:
• sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England, and in particular,
• the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) A Shared Vision: the regional economic strategy for the East of England, 2004).

The RES recognises the area as a priority for regeneration and growth as it lies within the Thames Gateway Growth Area. EEDA is also a core funder of Renaissance Southend and is providing expertise and resources to develop and implement key regeneration strategies for Southend.

You should be aware that the new RES is due to be published shortly and therefore as the JAAP progresses, this new strategy will need to be taken into account.



There is a strong level of strategic support for the development of Southend Airport. The Government's Air Transport White Paper identifies the important role that smaller airports can provide in meeting the demand for air travel. In addition, it identifies the important role that such airports can play in contributing to regional economic development, and in the case of Southend specifically the white paper also promotes the development of additional capacity for business aviation.

The Regional Spatial Strategy reiterates the support in the White Paper for the growth of Southend Airport to meet local demand and to contribute to local economic development, particularly in niche markets such as business aviation, passenger routes not served by larger airports and employment uses that would benefit from an airport location. The RSS also notes the importance of ensuring that proposals for airport expansion take account of the needs of surface access provision and the shift towards more sustainable travel modes.

The RES is similarly reflective of the Government's Air Transport White Paper. Goal 6, Priority 1 in particular, supports the sustainable growth of the region's airports and the business and employment opportunities that can occur as a result. Southend is identified specifically in ensuring that the region remains attractive to businesses. The RES also seeks to ensure that airport growth is planned for in an integrated matter with regeneration strategies, the supply of high quality employment land/space and road & rail infrastructure.

EEDA therefore supports the proposed expansion of the airport as articulated through the JAAP.
By maximising the benefits of the airport location to develop further employment opportunities, the Councils will not only be meeting the aspirations of the Air Transport White Paper, but also providing a significant contribution towards the regional job growth targets. This is important as the JAAP identifies the airport as playing an important role for the sub-region in meeting the job targets as set out in the RSS given its potential attractiveness and location adjacent to the A127 corridor.

The JAAP identifies three potential growth scenarios. EEDA's view is that in supporting the growth of the airport and delivering the scale of ambition as stated, then the aspiration must be to ultimately deliver Option 3, the High Growth scenario. The use of the airport and the potential for significant new business development is currently significantly constrained by a range of issues including the facilities, the scale of the runway and access to the airport itself. In order to fully address these issues in a sustainable manner, then the critical mass of development associated with Option 3 is likely to be required. In addition, whilst Option 2b will potentially deliver similar numbers of flights, this is likely to be less deliverable without the additional runway extension that is proposed through option 3.

Whilst there is clearly significant capacity for flights and the potential for new industrial and business premises, the JAAP also identifies, that for the current businesses in the area, proximity to the airport is not usually an important factor. In the light of this, in justifying the scale of development as potentially proposed, the document needs to be much clearer on the evidence of demand for airport based businesses and indeed, wider employment opportunities in this location and how the JAAP as proposed will meet this demand through the identified options. For example, reference to the Roger Tym & Partners work carried out in support of the Regeneration Framework and the Core Strategy might be appropriate.

In planning for growth, consideration also needs to be given to potential conflicts between the different users of the airport, particularly given the aspirations to grow passenger numbers. Care must be taken to ensure that in maximising the benefits of additional passenger flights, the niche business opportunities at the airport such as the business flights and the maintenance / repair industries are not compromised. It may be that in considering distribution of space and access and egress arrangements it may be desirable to group the aviation oriented jobs in one place -possibly with a layout design and management that could in due course allow them a secure entrance.

Finally, it must be noted, of course, that the development of option 3 will potentially have environmental impacts on the local area and in particular, will require some reconsideration of green belt boundaries to the north. In the light of this, if the Councils' are to pursue a high growth scenario for the airport, then a strong case linking demand to the requirement for this green belt land will need to be made.

If you would like to discuss any of these matters in further detail, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address.

Southend Borough Council and Rochford District Council London Southend Airport and Environs Joint Area Action Plan Development Plan Document: Initial Consultation on Issues and Options

We are writing in response to your letter received on the 30 June, seeking views on the above document.

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with Development Plan Documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for:
• sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England, and in particular,
• the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) A Shared Vision: the regional economic strategy for the East of England, 2004).

The RES recognises the area as a priority for regeneration and growth as it lies within the Thames Gateway Growth Area. EEDA is also a core funder of Renaissance Southend and is providing expertise and resources to develop and implement key regeneration strategies for Southend.

You should be aware that the new RES is due to be published shortly and therefore as the JAAP progresses, this new strategy will need to be taken into account.



There is a strong level of strategic support for the development of Southend Airport. The Government's Air Transport White Paper identifies the important role that smaller airports can provide in meeting the demand for air travel. In addition, it identifies the important role that such airports can play in contributing to regional economic development, and in the case of Southend specifically the white paper also promotes the development of additional capacity for business aviation.

The Regional Spatial Strategy reiterates the support in the White Paper for the growth of Southend Airport to meet local demand and to contribute to local economic development, particularly in niche markets such as business aviation, passenger routes not served by larger airports and employment uses that would benefit from an airport location. The RSS also notes the importance of ensuring that proposals for airport expansion take account of the needs of surface access provision and the shift towards more sustainable travel modes.

The RES is similarly reflective of the Government's Air Transport White Paper. Goal 6, Priority 1 in particular, supports the sustainable growth of the region's airports and the business and employment opportunities that can occur as a result. Southend is identified specifically in ensuring that the region remains attractive to businesses. The RES also seeks to ensure that airport growth is planned for in an integrated matter with regeneration strategies, the supply of high quality employment land/space and road & rail infrastructure.

EEDA therefore supports the proposed expansion of the airport as articulated through the JAAP.
By maximising the benefits of the airport location to develop further employment opportunities, the Councils will not only be meeting the aspirations of the Air Transport White Paper, but also providing a significant contribution towards the regional job growth targets. This is important as the JAAP identifies the airport as playing an important role for the sub-region in meeting the job targets as set out in the RSS given its potential attractiveness and location adjacent to the A127 corridor.

The JAAP identifies three potential growth scenarios. EEDA's view is that in supporting the growth of the airport and delivering the scale of ambition as stated, then the aspiration must be to ultimately deliver Option 3, the High Growth scenario. The use of the airport and the potential for significant new business development is currently significantly constrained by a range of issues including the facilities, the scale of the runway and access to the airport itself. In order to fully address these issues in a sustainable manner, then the critical mass of development associated with Option 3 is likely to be required. In addition, whilst Option 2b will potentially deliver similar numbers of flights, this is likely to be less deliverable without the additional runway extension that is proposed through option 3.

Whilst there is clearly significant capacity for flights and the potential for new industrial and business premises, the JAAP also identifies, that for the current businesses in the area, proximity to the airport is not usually an important factor. In the light of this, in justifying the scale of development as potentially proposed, the document needs to be much clearer on the evidence of demand for airport based businesses and indeed, wider employment opportunities in this location and how the JAAP as proposed will meet this demand through the identified options. For example, reference to the Roger Tym & Partners work carried out in support of the Regeneration Framework and the Core Strategy might be appropriate.

In planning for growth, consideration also needs to be given to potential conflicts between the different users of the airport, particularly given the aspirations to grow passenger numbers. Care must be taken to ensure that in maximising the benefits of additional passenger flights, the niche business opportunities at the airport such as the business flights and the maintenance / repair industries are not compromised. It may be that in considering distribution of space and access and egress arrangements it may be desirable to group the aviation oriented jobs in one place -possibly with a layout design and management that could in due course allow them a secure entrance.

Finally, it must be noted, of course, that the development of option 3 will potentially have environmental impacts on the local area and in particular, will require some reconsideration of green belt boundaries to the north. In the light of this, if the Councils' are to pursue a high growth scenario for the airport, then a strong case linking demand to the requirement for this green belt land will need to be made.

If you would like to discuss any of these matters in further detail, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address.

We are writing in response to your letter received on the 30 June, seeking views on the above document.

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with Development plan Documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for:
sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England, and in particular,
the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) A Shared Vision; the regional economic strategy for the East of England, 2004).

The RES recognises the area as a priority for regeneration and growth as it lies within the Thames Gateway Growth Area. EEDA is also a core funder of Renaissance Southend and is providing expertise and resources to develop and implement key regeneration strategies for Southend.

You should be aware that the new RES is due to be published shortly and therefore as the JAAP progresses, this new strategy will need to be taken into account.

There is a strong level of strategic support for the development of Southend Airport. The Government's Air Transport White Paper identifies the important role that smaller airports can provide in meeting the demand for air travel. In addition, it identifies the important role that such airports can play in contributing to regional economic development, and in the case of Southend specifically the white paper also promotes the development of additional capacity for business aviation.

The Regional Spatial Strategy reiterates the support in the White Paper for the growth of Southend Airport to meet local demand and to contribute to local economic development, particularly in niche markets such as business aviation, passenger routes not served by larger airports and employment uses that would benefit from an airport location. The RSS also notes the importance of ensuring that proposals for airport expansion take account of the needs of surface access provision and the shift towards more sustainable travel modes.

The RES is similarly reflective of the Government's Air Transport White Paper. Goal 6, Priority 1 in particular, support the sustainable growth of the region's airports and the business and employment opportunities that can occur as a result. Southend is identified specifically in ensuring that the region remains attractive to businesses. The RES also seeks to ensure that airport growth is planned for in an integrated matter with regeneration strategies, the supply of high quality employment land/space and road and rail infrastructure.

EEDA therefore supports the proposed expansion of the airport as articulated through the JAAP. By maximising the benefits of the airport location to develop further employment opportunities, the Councils will not only be meeting the aspirations of the Air Transport White Paper, but also providing a significant contribution towards the regional job growth targets. This is important as the JAAP identifies the airport as playing an important role for the sub-region in meeting the job targets as set out in the RSS given its potential attractiveness and location adjacent to the A127 corridor.

The JAAP identifies three potential growth scenarios. EEDA's view is that in supporting the growth of the airport and delivering the scale of ambition as stated, then the aspiration must be to ultimately deliver Option 3, the High Growth scenario. The use of the airport and the potential for significant new business development is currently significantly constrained by a range of issues including the facilities, the scale of the runway and access to the airport itself. In order to fully address these issues in a sustainable manner then the critical mass of development associated with Option 3 is likely to be required. In addition, whilst Option 2b will potentially deliver similar numbers of flights, this is likely to be less deliverable without the additional runway extension that is proposed through option 3.

Whilst there is clearly significant capacity for flights and the potential for new industrial and business premises, the JAAP also identifies, that for the current businesses in the area, proximity to the airport is not usually an important factor. In the light of this, in justifying the scale of development as potentially proposed, the document needs to be much clearer on the evidence of demand for airport based businesses and indeed, wider employment opportunities in this location and how the JAAP as proposed will meet this demand through the identified options. For example, reference to the Roger Tym & Partners work carried out in support of the Regeneration Framework and the Core Strategy might be appropriate.

In planning for growth, consideration also needs to be given to potential conflicts between the different users of the airport, particularly given the aspirations to grow passenger numbers. Care must be taken to ensure that in maximising the benefits of additional passenger flights, the niche business opportunities at the airport such as the business flights and the maintenance/repair industries are not compromised. It may be that in considering distribution of space and access and egress arrangements it may be desirable to group the aviation oriented jobs in one place â€" possibly with a layout design and managements that could in due course allow them a secure entrance.

Finally, it must be noted, of course, that the development of option 3 will potentially have environmental impacts on the local area and in particular, will require some reconsideration of green belt boundaries to the north. In the light of this, if the Councils' are to pursue a high growth scenario for the airport, then a strong case linking demand to the requirement for this green belt land will need to be made.

If you would like to discuss any of these matters in further detail, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address.

We are writing in response to your letter received on the 30 June, seeking views on the above document.

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with Development plan Documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for:
sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England, and in particular,
the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) A Shared Vision; the regional economic strategy for the East of England, 2004).

The RES recognises the area as a priority for regeneration and growth as it lies within the Thames Gateway Growth Area. EEDA is also a core funder of Renaissance Southend and is providing expertise and resources to develop and implement key regeneration strategies for Southend.

You should be aware that the new RES is due to be published shortly and therefore as the JAAP progresses, this new strategy will need to be taken into account.

There is a strong level of strategic support for the development of Southend Airport. The Government's Air Transport White Paper identifies the important role that smaller airports can provide in meeting the demand for air travel. In addition, it identifies the important role that such airports can play in contributing to regional economic development, and in the case of Southend specifically the white paper also promotes the development of additional capacity for business aviation.

The Regional Spatial Strategy reiterates the support in the White Paper for the growth of Southend Airport to meet local demand and to contribute to local economic development, particularly in niche markets such as business aviation, passenger routes not served by larger airports and employment uses that would benefit from an airport location. The RSS also notes the importance of ensuring that proposals for airport expansion take account of the needs of surface access provision and the shift towards more sustainable travel modes.

The RES is similarly reflective of the Government's Air Transport White Paper. Goal 6, Priority 1 in particular, support the sustainable growth of the region's airports and the business and employment opportunities that can occur as a result. Southend is identified specifically in ensuring that the region remains attractive to businesses. The RES also seeks to ensure that airport growth is planned for in an integrated matter with regeneration strategies, the supply of high quality employment land/space and road and rail infrastructure.

EEDA therefore supports the proposed expansion of the airport as articulated through the JAAP. By maximising the benefits of the airport location to develop further employment opportunities, the Councils will not only be meeting the aspirations of the Air Transport White Paper, but also providing a significant contribution towards the regional job growth targets. This is important as the JAAP identifies the airport as playing an important role for the sub-region in meeting the job targets as set out in the RSS given its potential attractiveness and location adjacent to the A127 corridor.

The JAAP identifies three potential growth scenarios. EEDA's view is that in supporting the growth of the airport and delivering the scale of ambition as stated, then the aspiration must be to ultimately deliver Option 3, the High Growth scenario. The use of the airport and the potential for significant new business development is currently significantly constrained by a range of issues including the facilities, the scale of the runway and access to the airport itself. In order to fully address these issues in a sustainable manner then the critical mass of development associated with Option 3 is likely to be required. In addition, whilst Option 2b will potentially deliver similar numbers of flights, this is likely to be less deliverable without the additional runway extension that is proposed through option 3.

Whilst there is clearly significant capacity for flights and the potential for new industrial and business premises, the JAAP also identifies, that for the current businesses in the area, proximity to the airport is not usually an important factor. In the light of this, in justifying the scale of development as potentially proposed, the document needs to be much clearer on the evidence of demand for airport based businesses and indeed, wider employment opportunities in this location and how the JAAP as proposed will meet this demand through the identified options. For example, reference to the Roger Tym & Partners work carried out in support of the Regeneration Framework and the Core Strategy might be appropriate.

In planning for growth, consideration also needs to be given to potential conflicts between the different users of the airport, particularly given the aspirations to grow passenger numbers. Care must be taken to ensure that in maximising the benefits of additional passenger flights, the niche business opportunities at the airport such as the business flights and the maintenance/repair industries are not compromised. It may be that in considering distribution of space and access and egress arrangements it may be desirable to group the aviation oriented jobs in one place â€" possibly with a layout design and managements that could in due course allow them a secure entrance.

Finally, it must be noted, of course, that the development of option 3 will potentially have environmental impacts on the local area and in particular, will require some reconsideration of green belt boundaries to the north. In the light of this, if the Councils' are to pursue a high growth scenario for the airport, then a strong case linking demand to the requirement for this green belt land will need to be made.

If you would like to discuss any of these matters in further detail, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address.

We are writing in response to your letter received on the 30 June, seeking views on the above document.

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with Development plan Documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for:
sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England, and in particular,
the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) A Shared Vision; the regional economic strategy for the East of England, 2004).

The RES recognises the area as a priority for regeneration and growth as it lies within the Thames Gateway Growth Area. EEDA is also a core funder of Renaissance Southend and is providing expertise and resources to develop and implement key regeneration strategies for Southend.

You should be aware that the new RES is due to be published shortly and therefore as the JAAP progresses, this new strategy will need to be taken into account.

There is a strong level of strategic support for the development of Southend Airport. The Government's Air Transport White Paper identifies the important role that smaller airports can provide in meeting the demand for air travel. In addition, it identifies the important role that such airports can play in contributing to regional economic development, and in the case of Southend specifically the white paper also promotes the development of additional capacity for business aviation.

The Regional Spatial Strategy reiterates the support in the White Paper for the growth of Southend Airport to meet local demand and to contribute to local economic development, particularly in niche markets such as business aviation, passenger routes not served by larger airports and employment uses that would benefit from an airport location. The RSS also notes the importance of ensuring that proposals for airport expansion take account of the needs of surface access provision and the shift towards more sustainable travel modes.

The RES is similarly reflective of the Government's Air Transport White Paper. Goal 6, Priority 1 in particular, support the sustainable growth of the region's airports and the business and employment opportunities that can occur as a result. Southend is identified specifically in ensuring that the region remains attractive to businesses. The RES also seeks to ensure that airport growth is planned for in an integrated matter with regeneration strategies, the supply of high quality employment land/space and road and rail infrastructure.

EEDA therefore supports the proposed expansion of the airport as articulated through the JAAP. By maximising the benefits of the airport location to develop further employment opportunities, the Councils will not only be meeting the aspirations of the Air Transport White Paper, but also providing a significant contribution towards the regional job growth targets. This is important as the JAAP identifies the airport as playing an important role for the sub-region in meeting the job targets as set out in the RSS given its potential attractiveness and location adjacent to the A127 corridor.

The JAAP identifies three potential growth scenarios. EEDA's view is that in supporting the growth of the airport and delivering the scale of ambition as stated, then the aspiration must be to ultimately deliver Option 3, the High Growth scenario. The use of the airport and the potential for significant new business development is currently significantly constrained by a range of issues including the facilities, the scale of the runway and access to the airport itself. In order to fully address these issues in a sustainable manner then the critical mass of development associated with Option 3 is likely to be required. In addition, whilst Option 2b will potentially deliver similar numbers of flights, this is likely to be less deliverable without the additional runway extension that is proposed through option 3.

Whilst there is clearly significant capacity for flights and the potential for new industrial and business premises, the JAAP also identifies, that for the current businesses in the area, proximity to the airport is not usually an important factor. In the light of this, in justifying the scale of development as potentially proposed, the document needs to be much clearer on the evidence of demand for airport based businesses and indeed, wider employment opportunities in this location and how the JAAP as proposed will meet this demand through the identified options. For example, reference to the Roger Tym & Partners work carried out in support of the Regeneration Framework and the Core Strategy might be appropriate.

In planning for growth, consideration also needs to be given to potential conflicts between the different users of the airport, particularly given the aspirations to grow passenger numbers. Care must be taken to ensure that in maximising the benefits of additional passenger flights, the niche business opportunities at the airport such as the business flights and the maintenance/repair industries are not compromised. It may be that in considering distribution of space and access and egress arrangements it may be desirable to group the aviation oriented jobs in one place â€" possibly with a layout design and managements that could in due course allow them a secure entrance.

Finally, it must be noted, of course, that the development of option 3 will potentially have environmental impacts on the local area and in particular, will require some reconsideration of green belt boundaries to the north. In the light of this, if the Councils' are to pursue a high growth scenario for the airport, then a strong case linking demand to the requirement for this green belt land will need to be made.

If you would like to discuss any of these matters in further detail, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address.

We are writing in response to your letter received on the 30 June, seeking views on the above document.

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with Development plan Documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for:
sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England, and in particular,
the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) A Shared Vision; the regional economic strategy for the East of England, 2004).

The RES recognises the area as a priority for regeneration and growth as it lies within the Thames Gateway Growth Area. EEDA is also a core funder of Renaissance Southend and is providing expertise and resources to develop and implement key regeneration strategies for Southend.

You should be aware that the new RES is due to be published shortly and therefore as the JAAP progresses, this new strategy will need to be taken into account.

There is a strong level of strategic support for the development of Southend Airport. The Government's Air Transport White Paper identifies the important role that smaller airports can provide in meeting the demand for air travel. In addition, it identifies the important role that such airports can play in contributing to regional economic development, and in the case of Southend specifically the white paper also promotes the development of additional capacity for business aviation.

The Regional Spatial Strategy reiterates the support in the White Paper for the growth of Southend Airport to meet local demand and to contribute to local economic development, particularly in niche markets such as business aviation, passenger routes not served by larger airports and employment uses that would benefit from an airport location. The RSS also notes the importance of ensuring that proposals for airport expansion take account of the needs of surface access provision and the shift towards more sustainable travel modes.

The RES is similarly reflective of the Government's Air Transport White Paper. Goal 6, Priority 1 in particular, support the sustainable growth of the region's airports and the business and employment opportunities that can occur as a result. Southend is identified specifically in ensuring that the region remains attractive to businesses. The RES also seeks to ensure that airport growth is planned for in an integrated matter with regeneration strategies, the supply of high quality employment land/space and road and rail infrastructure.

EEDA therefore supports the proposed expansion of the airport as articulated through the JAAP. By maximising the benefits of the airport location to develop further employment opportunities, the Councils will not only be meeting the aspirations of the Air Transport White Paper, but also providing a significant contribution towards the regional job growth targets. This is important as the JAAP identifies the airport as playing an important role for the sub-region in meeting the job targets as set out in the RSS given its potential attractiveness and location adjacent to the A127 corridor.

The JAAP identifies three potential growth scenarios. EEDA's view is that in supporting the growth of the airport and delivering the scale of ambition as stated, then the aspiration must be to ultimately deliver Option 3, the High Growth scenario. The use of the airport and the potential for significant new business development is currently significantly constrained by a range of issues including the facilities, the scale of the runway and access to the airport itself. In order to fully address these issues in a sustainable manner then the critical mass of development associated with Option 3 is likely to be required. In addition, whilst Option 2b will potentially deliver similar numbers of flights, this is likely to be less deliverable without the additional runway extension that is proposed through option 3.

Whilst there is clearly significant capacity for flights and the potential for new industrial and business premises, the JAAP also identifies, that for the current businesses in the area, proximity to the airport is not usually an important factor. In the light of this, in justifying the scale of development as potentially proposed, the document needs to be much clearer on the evidence of demand for airport based businesses and indeed, wider employment opportunities in this location and how the JAAP as proposed will meet this demand through the identified options. For example, reference to the Roger Tym & Partners work carried out in support of the Regeneration Framework and the Core Strategy might be appropriate.

In planning for growth, consideration also needs to be given to potential conflicts between the different users of the airport, particularly given the aspirations to grow passenger numbers. Care must be taken to ensure that in maximising the benefits of additional passenger flights, the niche business opportunities at the airport such as the business flights and the maintenance/repair industries are not compromised. It may be that in considering distribution of space and access and egress arrangements it may be desirable to group the aviation oriented jobs in one place â€" possibly with a layout design and managements that could in due course allow them a secure entrance.

Finally, it must be noted, of course, that the development of option 3 will potentially have environmental impacts on the local area and in particular, will require some reconsideration of green belt boundaries to the north. In the light of this, if the Councils' are to pursue a high growth scenario for the airport, then a strong case linking demand to the requirement for this green belt land will need to be made.

If you would like to discuss any of these matters in further detail, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address.

We are writing in response to your letter received on the 30 June, seeking views on the above document.

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with Development plan Documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for:
sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England, and in particular,
the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) A Shared Vision; the regional economic strategy for the East of England, 2004).

The RES recognises the area as a priority for regeneration and growth as it lies within the Thames Gateway Growth Area. EEDA is also a core funder of Renaissance Southend and is providing expertise and resources to develop and implement key regeneration strategies for Southend.

You should be aware that the new RES is due to be published shortly and therefore as the JAAP progresses, this new strategy will need to be taken into account.

There is a strong level of strategic support for the development of Southend Airport. The Government's Air Transport White Paper identifies the important role that smaller airports can provide in meeting the demand for air travel. In addition, it identifies the important role that such airports can play in contributing to regional economic development, and in the case of Southend specifically the white paper also promotes the development of additional capacity for business aviation.

The Regional Spatial Strategy reiterates the support in the White Paper for the growth of Southend Airport to meet local demand and to contribute to local economic development, particularly in niche markets such as business aviation, passenger routes not served by larger airports and employment uses that would benefit from an airport location. The RSS also notes the importance of ensuring that proposals for airport expansion take account of the needs of surface access provision and the shift towards more sustainable travel modes.

The RES is similarly reflective of the Government's Air Transport White Paper. Goal 6, Priority 1 in particular, support the sustainable growth of the region's airports and the business and employment opportunities that can occur as a result. Southend is identified specifically in ensuring that the region remains attractive to businesses. The RES also seeks to ensure that airport growth is planned for in an integrated matter with regeneration strategies, the supply of high quality employment land/space and road and rail infrastructure.

EEDA therefore supports the proposed expansion of the airport as articulated through the JAAP. By maximising the benefits of the airport location to develop further employment opportunities, the Councils will not only be meeting the aspirations of the Air Transport White Paper, but also providing a significant contribution towards the regional job growth targets. This is important as the JAAP identifies the airport as playing an important role for the sub-region in meeting the job targets as set out in the RSS given its potential attractiveness and location adjacent to the A127 corridor.

The JAAP identifies three potential growth scenarios. EEDA's view is that in supporting the growth of the airport and delivering the scale of ambition as stated, then the aspiration must be to ultimately deliver Option 3, the High Growth scenario. The use of the airport and the potential for significant new business development is currently significantly constrained by a range of issues including the facilities, the scale of the runway and access to the airport itself. In order to fully address these issues in a sustainable manner then the critical mass of development associated with Option 3 is likely to be required. In addition, whilst Option 2b will potentially deliver similar numbers of flights, this is likely to be less deliverable without the additional runway extension that is proposed through option 3.

Whilst there is clearly significant capacity for flights and the potential for new industrial and business premises, the JAAP also identifies, that for the current businesses in the area, proximity to the airport is not usually an important factor. In the light of this, in justifying the scale of development as potentially proposed, the document needs to be much clearer on the evidence of demand for airport based businesses and indeed, wider employment opportunities in this location and how the JAAP as proposed will meet this demand through the identified options. For example, reference to the Roger Tym & Partners work carried out in support of the Regeneration Framework and the Core Strategy might be appropriate.

In planning for growth, consideration also needs to be given to potential conflicts between the different users of the airport, particularly given the aspirations to grow passenger numbers. Care must be taken to ensure that in maximising the benefits of additional passenger flights, the niche business opportunities at the airport such as the business flights and the maintenance/repair industries are not compromised. It may be that in considering distribution of space and access and egress arrangements it may be desirable to group the aviation oriented jobs in one place â€" possibly with a layout design and managements that could in due course allow them a secure entrance.

Finally, it must be noted, of course, that the development of option 3 will potentially have environmental impacts on the local area and in particular, will require some reconsideration of green belt boundaries to the north. In the light of this, if the Councils' are to pursue a high growth scenario for the airport, then a strong case linking demand to the requirement for this green belt land will need to be made.

If you would like to discuss any of these matters in further detail, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address.