SOUTHEND Airport’s expansion could be operational in 2011, if government approves the runway extension plans.

Alistair Welch, managing director of the airport, confirmed a detailed timescale for the £30million project was in place.

If the Secretary of State goes with Southend Council’s recommendation to approve the 300m extension, then work will begin immediately on the airport.

More than 6,700 jobs will[, it has been claimed,] be made available while larger, [allegedly]more environmentally friendly planes will carry both leisure and business passengers across Europe.

Mr Welch believes 2,520 people could be working at the airport by 2020 if the plans go ahead.

He said: “The development of the airport will transform the economic prospects for Southend, introducing to the economy a stimulus and source of growth and job opportunities.

“While there is much to do, we are working hard to ensure we have a fully functioning regional airport in place in time for the 2012 Olympics.”

The first development work to take place would be 700m of new road to replace links diverted from Eastwoodbury Lane.

This work is expected to start during the summer[, assuming that approval is given].

Work on the runway extension [would] only start once the ‘road network’ has been completed in early 2011 and is expected to take six months to build.

New navigation aids for aircraft [would] also be installed during the construction programme to improve safety and security on site.

Other projects include the new rail station and control tower.

Romford firm Readie Construction started work on the tower on Monday and is expected to finish it by the end of this year.

The new train station, which has links to [is on] the National Express line via Liverpool Street, is expected to open in the summer.

The airport is hoping to make announcements on what flight operators will be running from Southend over the coming months.

PLANS to expand Southend Airport’s runway have been backed by councillors, but will need Government approval before going ahead.

Southend Council’s development control committee voted in favour of Stobart Group’s proposal to increase the runway by 300m on Wednesday.

Members also agreed to plans for the diversion of Eastwoodbury Lane and the demolishment of six cottages along the road.

The recommendation will now be sent to Communities Secretary, John Denham, who can either agree with Southend Council’s decision or call for a public inquiry.

The airport’s managing director, Alastair Welch, welcomed the news.

He said: “We are please that members of Southend Council, having listened to the views of all sections of the local community, have approved proposals for the runway extension.

“We believe the arguments in favour of the extension are compelling, and we trust that the minister who will review this project recognises the urgent need to progress with it to allow Southend to showcase what it does best in time for the 2012 Olympics.”

Anti-expansion protestors aired their views before the meeting, but councillors voted 14-3 in favour of the proposal.

The authority had received more than 1,460 objections to the plans and 549 in support.

Campaigner Denis Walker, from Stop Airport [Extension] Now, criticised the committee for ‘ignoring overwhelming public opposition’.

He said: “It is unfortunate that most councillors prefer to ignore their electors in pursuit of a scheme that even if successful, will only line the pockets of the airport owners.

“It will do nothing to contribute to the local economy and will blight the lives of residents.”

Rochford and Southend East MP, James Duddridge, supported the council’s decision but feels the plans will be held up by Government.

The Conservative said: “This is an un-missable opportunity for Southend.

“If the Secretary of State decides to call in the application for his determination, then there will be a public inquiry.

“I fear this would be severely detrimental to the progress of plans to develop the airport, which are vital to ensure the growth of Southend’s economy.”

To find out more about the expansion plans visit [the airport's expansion propaganda website].

‘We listend to everyone’s views’

SOUTHEND Council members have claimed they listened to all views before backing Southend Airport’s runway expansion.

Councillor Brian Kelly (Con, Shoebury), who chaired the meeting, said: “Members took into account both the needs of the airport operator and the views of all sections of the local community.

“The committee resolved to approve the application, subject to an agreement and conditions to limit the airport’s impacts on residents.”

However, Councillor Mike Grimwade (Lib Dem, Prittlewell) was disappointed.

He voted against the runway along with councillors Barry Godwin and Jim Clinkscales.

He said: “We knew between us there would be a difference of opinion, as expected.

“It was clear from previous votes that the plans would be agreed by the council.

“My biggest concern is the airport’s impact on the A127, so I am now campaigning to get improvements on the road.”