London Southend Airport and Environs Joint Area Action Plan Preferred Options

The SPAB is a national amenity society which, under Planning Acts, must be notified of applications to demolish in whole or part listed buildings in England and Wales.

In our previous response to the Issues and Options Paper-5.5 Scenario 3 High Growth we welcomed JAAP assurances that any development of the airport would "ensure the the protection of areas and places sensitive to change. " We also welcome the statement in the Preferred Options Paper 2.2 that a high quality environment is one of the objectives.

However this does not appear to be borne out by the proposed extension of the runway and its effect on Grade I listed Eastwood Church. The Proposals Map shows the airport boundary slicing through the south east corner of the churchyard, and coming close to the walls of the church itself. The public safety zone appears to align directly with the edge of the building. Apart from the direct damage to the churchyard we are seriously concerned about the risk to the ancient tower of the church if the runway is extended on its present alignment.