BREAKING: Southend Airport expansion given go-ahead
Friday March 19 2010 - Last Updated at 11:08
The expansion of Southend Airport CAN go ahead, according to a senior government official.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government John Denham has said the plans, which include extension of the runway to accomodate bigger planes, will not be referred to a public inquiry and therefore work can begin. 2 million people are expected to use the airport a year, once building has finished.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Development Control Committee approved the expansion plans on January 20.
But the Council’s decision was subject to an Article 14 direction issued a few days earlier which prevented work on the scheme from going ahead without Mr Denham’s authorisation.
That’s now been given and Councillor Anna Waite, the Council’s Executive Councillor for Planning and Transport, told longpier.com she was “delighted” at the news.
“I am extremely pleased the Secretary of State has vindicated the careful consideration given to this application by the Development Control Committee.
“It took a great deal of time and effort to produce the balanced report presented to the Committee which reflected the views expressed by the various interested parties.
“The airport expansion will bring not only travel opportunities but much needed jobs. This is a really big step in building a sound economic future for Southend and its residents.”
But press spokesman for SAEN – Stop Airport Expansion Now – Denis Walker told longpier.com:
“This is a travesty of justice for the people of Southend”.
“There were three phases of consultation and in each case 75% or more of those who responded opposed the expansion”
“It would appear those in authority are ignoring residents of Southend and Rochford. We will now do what we can, within the law, to oppose today’s decision”.
What do you think? Happy or sad about the decision?
Leave your comments below.
At lasThos isThis is very good news for Southend, at last we have a chance for Southend to create jobs and see new developments come on line.
Dennis Walker sates "A travesty of justice" as 75% of those who respinded to the consultation did not want the development just what percentage of papers sent out were returned less then 10% I beleve.
He go's on to say they will carry on the fight within the law to oppose the plans moving forward.
They have council backing and now GOVENMENT backing so just what he plans to do will be intresting to see.
Sad day for Southend. The town has signed away it's future with more noise and air pollution which will affect its economy. The Job claims that so many of the people have fallen for will not happen in this area "FACT".
I for one will no longer spend my money in this town. Why would I come for a relaxing day away only to have large jets disturb my peace? I might as well go and sit beside any of the other airports in and around London.
Time will prove to the poor souls who have been duped into believing that this expansion is a good thing.
Again a very sad day for Southend!
Brilliant news for the airport, the town and the south of Essex.
SAEN wanted a Public Inquiry. John Denham has looked into this and decided that there is no reason for one, and that due process has been followed.
Its obvious SAEN wouldn't accept any finding of a Public Inquiry even if there was one.
The town has had a major, major boost today. Fantastic news.
Anonymous (19 Mar 2010 14:25:00)
There is NOT going to be a constant stream of big jets,
the smokescreen spouted by SAEN have been exposed flight every 5 mins they said the airport could not cope with that even after the works are done.
Saen shot themselfs in the foot too many times over this issue, some even said the station is really a gantry crane to unload cargo containers!
A poor decision of staggering proportions. Whereas Southend could have set itself up as a centre for the support and maintenance of the numerous windfarms that are and will be in the area it has instead chosen to cast its lot with a technology with a limited future. The trick with properity is to be ahead of the curve not behind it and Southend, as always, has chosen to back a declining industry.
Ermmm I hate to break it to you but the only company manufacturing wind turbines in the UK went bust a few months back.
Your forgetting the wind turbines are out to sea to get them to the airport site would involve: Tugs and cranes to lift the turbines off the masts, bring them to shore (where?) then lift them on to big lorrys going on local streets,
hi, please does anyone know if there is still going 2 b a hotel built on the southend airport, and if so when does the work start and finish ? and also how 2 find out what jobs will b avalible ? many thanks 2 any help with this, Tracey,