John Denham, the secretary of state for communities and local government, approved plans to extend the runway at Stobart Group’s London Southend Airport.
The planning application was subject to review by Government after an Article 14 notice was served prior to Southend Council’s Development Control Committee voting 14-3 in favor of the application in January 2010. However, their decision was subject to ministerial ratification and after a thorough review, the minister has now given the final go ahead for the development.
The approval will see a 300 meter south west extension to the runway and the diversion of Eastwoodbury Lane. Works will now get underway as soon as possible to meet the target completion date in 2011. The runway extension is expected to increase passenger figures at the airport to two million a year and create more than 1,000 jobs. Post expansion, the airport is expected to attract other low-cost carriers and also offer an alternative to Stansted and London City airports, particularly during the London 2012 Olympics.
Alastair Welch, Managing Director of Southend Airport said, “This development will make a significant contribution to increase the attractiveness and prosperity of the South Essex area for businesses, which experts believe will have a positive effect on house and commercial property prices.”
Work has already started on the new Rail Station and Control Tower, which are due to open in mid 2010 and early 2011 respectively.
The move had been opposed by a local campaign group, which feared it could lead to greater congestion and pollution in the area.
