THE £30million development of Southend Airport is finally set for take-off.

Stobart Air submit a planning application today which could see the extension of the runway and other changes put in place by May 2011.

The move follows negotiations with Southend and Rochford councils over night flights and noise controls, if the expansion gets the go-ahead.

The controversial plan would involve the demolition of six houses and closing Eastwoodbury Lane to traffic.

Work is already under way on a new railway station on the Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria line, and a new control tower is planned for the near future. More than 6,500 jobs could be created as part of the development.

The planning application will be subjected to close examination by members of Southend Council’s development control committee.

The committee will review the application when it meets in January next year, and has the power to accept or reject the submitted plans.

Composed of members of all parties, the committee is independent within the council and has the authority to impose further controls on the development as part of any approval.

Council leader Nigel Holdcroft said: “I expect councillors to scrutinise the airport planning application thoroughly and fairly, taking into account both the needs of the airport operator and the local community.”

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