London Southend Airport and Environs Joint Area Action Plan Preferred Options

Hockley Parish Plan Group is generally in support of proposed airport growth and the development of new industrial and business units in the vicinity of the airport to provide economic benefits and employment opportunities, subject to the following considerations:

• All proposed new roads and road improvements, including A127, Eastwoodbury Lane and Cherry Orchard Way, are in place prior to airport growth (especially runway extension) and new business parks development
• Road improvements through Hockley and Hawkwell West (currently not included in the Preferred Options paper) are in place prior to airport growth and business parks development, as a significant percentage of passengers and workers will use Hockley as a through route to the airport area. Many company and delivery vehicles will also travel through Hockley. Roads through Hockley are already congested and will be gridlocked following both airport growth and the proposed core strategy allocation of housing development in Rochford and Hawkwell
• All other infrastructure improvements, related to traffic, transportation (including public transport), and parking (staff, visitors, and incoming/ outgoing transportation) are in place prior to airport growth and business parks development. Planning restrictions to be approved and in place limiting on-site car parking to essential requirements only. All businesses, including the airport, to contribute to Travel Plans.
• A legally enforceable agreement on clearly defined and measurable noise and air pollution control measures is in place prior to any airport growth. Noise and air pollution must be controlled and monitored to achieve the agreed levels
• A legally enforceable agreement on clearly defined flight paths minimising impact on existing housing all around the airport is in place prior to airport growth. Clearly defined flight paths are not currently shown in the proposal and there is a concern for the residents of Hockley that the majority of planes flying north would veer after take off in the direction of Rochford District
• A legally enforceable agreement on clearly defined engine testing noise control measures is in place prior to airport growth. Engine testing to be restricted to clearly defined times of the day
• No passenger night flights
• A legally enforceable agreement on night flight quota for freight in terms of cargo, frequency and noise levels is in place prior to airport growth
• The type of industry is controlled so that new industry, inside the airport perimeter or on the business parks, is only given planning permission if air quality (in terms of fumes and smells) and noise measures do not exceed legislated levels
• The environmental impact related to the loss of greenbelt and open spaces is controlled and offset by provision of supplementary public open spaces in the vicinity