As the debate over the expansion of Southend Airport goes on, support for the development is beginning to be heard.
At a meeting of the Southend Business Partnership, chair Murray Foster presided over a ballot over the future of the airport.
3% of the voters were decidedly against any expansion of the airport.
8% stated that they were undecided over the matter, whilst 89% voted “in favour of a fully functional regional airport with appropriate operative controls.”
This survey reflects my experience with members of the public. The vast silent majority are IN FAVOUR of development of the airport as outlined in the plans.
All councillors should take note of this survey, and not be hood-winked into doing nothing by the very small vocal minority of the local population, who actually knew there was an airport on their doorstep either when they moved, or from before they were born!
In my experience of canvassing and just walking around the local area with my ears and eyes open, I think general public opinion is definately mixed. In general and based purely on my own observations I think the following:
Support is strong on the Southend side of the airport but very weak on the Rochford side. For two reasons I think, 1/ the demographic of both areas differing somewhat and 2/ It is Rochford (particuarly the Anne Bolleyn estates) that are going to feel the worse enviromental effects.
Support is much stronger among younger people (40 and below) than the older generation.
Most negative arguments are NIMBY in attitude but that does not necessarily negate their importance. However any more wide arguments are usually shallow and only to hide the selfish arguments that underline their position.
Equally the positive arguments, stemming largely from Tory politicians and businessmen are mostly selfish. They also sometimes hide behind the unemployment arguments etc… Again this does not necessarily negate their arguments.
Public support for the airport overall I would say is mixed but perhaps falls slightly to the negative arguments, but the position held by our power players (businessmen and politicians) is very positive. Do our politicians know whats best for us against our will? do they know our will at all? or are they just failing to fulfill the function of education effectively enough? Is everyone aware that it will encroach green belt and will allow heavier aircraft? Will our local economy improve as a result of the airport?
They are all questions that need answering, and needed it before consultation ended. It may sound as if I am being negative I am not. I support the expansion and all of it, exempting the building on green belt and night flights.
I apologise for the long post I appreciate nobody wants to read it but it has been an outlet for my grumbles.
I would have to disagree. I would say that the leanings are by far to the yay than the nay.
I have been asking people about their opinion on the airport for several years. The vast majority keep saying ‘just get on with it!’ or “It would be much better than travelling to Stansted” etc.
You say it will allow heavier aircraft? This is not accurate. The airport will not take anything larger than the Boeing 757 which it already takes. It will never actually take a Boing 757 full of passengers as it cannot, even with an extension. It will take an Airbus 319 with passengers or an Embraer 195 with passengers along with the turbo prop family of aircraft.
The extension to the runway will improve safety by allowing for added Runway End Safety Areas (RESA).
But people should not confuse physical tarmac length of runway with the actual amount usable. This has many variables which take into account the previously mentioned RESA, obstacles etc etc.
It is for this reason you cannot easily compare the length of one airports runway to another purely on physical length of Tarmac.
Its natural people will have concerns. Its a shame that the answers they listen too are from a group with confused ideas and agenda’s and inaccurate information. Yes I am referring to SAEN.
As for the night flights, tougher restrictions can and I believe will be imposed as part of any planning consent granted. The details of which I would assume to be forthcoming in future applications.
I firmly believe that the area will benefit financially from the airport. With skilled trainee positions available to local youth.
I read your post, so don’t assume other people don’t.
As I say I am for the airport, there is no need for us to argue over it ideologically. And as for popular support, it was only my impression from canvassing and milling around the area it was not in anyway scientific, but I imagine your impressions are not scientific either. It is true to say those vocal against the airport are certainly in a minority with respect to the passion of their views, and I agree their motives are confused.
Your knowledge of planes is significantly greater than mine, but I thought at the consultation meeting (which I did not attend personally but somebody reliable did feedback to me) were that there was going to be heavier aeroplanes but because they were more modern they were quieter. I am certain you are correct because of the authority stemming from your greater knowledge.
I think there needs to be a greater openess generally in local politics. I hope there will be clear regulation but I dont trust the politicians to guarentee this, considering they are primarilly Tories with business interests; it would appear their minds were made up very early on.
As someone who has lived in the town all my life and have seen the town decline, I am happy with the proposals to expand the airport. This is despite living near to the end of the runway for the past 50+ years. There are alternatives that could be put on what is a large brown field site! When you look at the options they could be a super prison, social housing, Industrial units to name but three ideas. One thing they all have in common is that the area will get busier with more traffic. So I say lets go with the airport option as it will provide more and varied opportunities for the town. Please just get on and build it then everyone can reap the benefits.