Statement:
I congratulate the Town Council on holding this meeting and giving local residents a further opportunity to air their views concerning the proposed development of the airport. Whilst there is no firm date for Southend Council’s planning meeting regarding this matter, the clear understanding is that it will be held in late January 2010. I have now taken advice from the Secretary of State’s office and the House of Commons Library as to how residents who want further scrutiny of the proposals should proceed. Every resident who has written to me concerning this subject has had their views forwarded not only to the local authority and to Stobart but also to the Secretary of State. This I will continue to do with all the letters I receive, right up to the time of the planning meeting.
For those residents who remain concerned about the airport’s plans for expansion, the Secretary of State, if he is minded to call the plans in, would not do so until after the Council’s planning meeting has taken place in January. If the planning application is refused, then it is open to the applicant to appeal against the decision.
The Secretary of State is already aware that a largeg number of residents are still unsure about the airport’s proposals. It would be helpful if this meeting or indeed any other meeting comes to a collective view about the issue of a public inquiry, and that it then be conveyed to me so that I can present the concerns to Parliament as soon as possible i.e. next week. I should add that I will be writing to every resident who has contacted me about this issue setting out perhaps more clearly the process for a public inquiry being held.
For my own part, not only as your Member of Parliament but as a local resident, I will be supporting the proposition that a public inquiry be held. Nevertheless, my duty is to present all views of residents as they are given to me. I should add that my support for a public inquiry will not be the determining factor. The decision will rest entirely with the government and the Secretary of State John Denham.
Tags: David Amess MP
I am more and more convinced that Southend Council and the Airport have deliberately tried to muddy the waters to cover up a ‘done deal’.
I am deeply sad that I believe I have witnessed fairness, openness and a large chunk of democracy go out of the window. I am also sad that certain councillors appear to treat with contempt those who might oppose their views.