London Southend Airport is a key regional transport hub, economic asset and local employer.
In 2019, the Airport attracted over 2.1 million passengers, as well as freight and general aviation users. Passenger numbers are predicted to recover from the covid pandemic, exceeding pre-covid levels by 2026/27.
A Section 106 legal agreement between the council and the airport operators control impacts of the airport, including total air traffic movements and noise flight preferential routes.
The London Southend Airport and Environs Joint Area Action Plan (JAAP) sets out how the airport is expected to grow in a sustainable manner up to 2031, together with development of employment land which contributes additional jobs, with a 50/50 split between Southend and Rochford.
The JAAP continues to provide a relevant long-term vision for the airport and its environs.
The Local Plan recognises potential opportunities to enhance the airport and associated train station as a sustainable transport hub, encouraging:
Improvements to Surface Access
Reduced Congestion in and around the Airport
Minimised Environmental Impact
Any proposals to expand the airport and its operation, together with any surface access improvements, will be assessed against the Local Plan and JAAP policies, taking into account wider sub-regional impacts of the airport.