Hundreds of homeowners seeking compensation from Southend Airport (From Echo)
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Hundreds of homeowners seeking compensation from Southend Airport
8:00am Thursday 15th November 2012 in Local News By David Trayner
SAEN member Jon Fuller addressing the meeting that set up the Compensation Group
MORE than 800 homeowners have signed up with surveyors to seek compensation if Southend Airport’s expansion has devalued their homes.
And a group formed to share information on claims, named the Compensation Group, has more than 200 members, with more reportedly joining daily.
Graham Whitehead, chairman of anti-airport group Stop Airport Expansion and Noise, which has a separate committee from the Compensation Group but pays its administration costs, said: “I’m very happy for the numbers to be this high because it vindicates what we’ve been saying all along – that this is going to impact negatively on property values.
“The fact that surveyors will take on these claims, which will cost money to pursue, suggests they believe compensation is a possibility.”
Three surveyors are offering to value people’s homes and seek compensation under the Land Compensation Act if it turns out they have been affected by the increase in air traffic.
Westcliff-based chartered surveyor Michael Marriott has more than 500 clients, Cardiff-based surveyors Carrick and Co have more than 300 and chartered surveyor Chris Hunt, of Hunt Scott, Dorking, has about 60.
Mr Marriott, who spoke at a meeting organised by SAEN that launched the Compensation Group in September, said clients have reported an increase in nuisance from noise, smell, fumes and flights at unsocial hours since the runway was extended in March and are concerned the nuisance will intensify as the airport operator succeeds in establishing increasing numbers of flights and carriers, some with larger planes.
But he warned: “Only after all the evidence is received and considered will it become clear if any compensation is due.
“Post runway extension noise readings and all other evidence in the public domain will be considered next year. Claims will be made next year, where after discussions with the airport operator will be sought.”
Claimants will have to prove their home has been devalued by noise, vibration, dust, smell, light pollution, discharge or fumes. Claims must be submitted within a year of completion of the runway extension, on March 8.
If surveyors and the airport cannot agree on a valuation, claimants will be able to take their cases to court.
Alistair Welch, managing director of the airport, said: “People who believe they are impacted by the development of London Southend Airport are entitled to make a claim one year from when the development was finished “When these claims are made, there will be a detailed and thorough assessment over a period of time that will evaluate a number of factors.
“However previous cases over similar developments have shown this work may take a considerable number of years to complete. If there are any claims that are proved, then we would certainly meet our responsibilities.
“As always, we advise local residents to carefully check the companies who they are planning to represent them in any action.”
To join the compensation group, visit www.saen.org.uk.
Comments are closed on this article.
Comments (109)
8:19am Thu 15 Nov 12
r6keith says...
8:35am Thu 15 Nov 12
j-w says...
I don't think that is correct before there is a flurry of claimants.
I think claims can be made after a year of operation (in this case the runway extension) and must be made within 6 years.
In fact your very next paragraph states that in an answer given by Al A stair Welch!
8:45am Thu 15 Nov 12
howironic says...
If house prices have gained value because of the airport, what happens to the equity? I'm sure the households will be more than happy to keep hold of it.
I assume that if compensation is paid, it will only be paid to households that were living there before the airport was even built, otherwise you were a little naive to begin with.
8:46am Thu 15 Nov 12
AndyBSG says...
It's a joke that people buying a home under an airport flight path can try to claim compensation.
Do they expect the airports to stop trying to grow just because people choose to buy there and think that gives them a right to stifle business and commerce?
This country really does make me sick at times.
8:49am Thu 15 Nov 12
Brunning999 says...
8:49am Thu 15 Nov 12
Brunning999 says...
8:54am Thu 15 Nov 12
Thecountrysgonetopot! says...
8:56am Thu 15 Nov 12
Thecountrysgonetopot! says...
9:03am Thu 15 Nov 12
openspace says...
9:07am Thu 15 Nov 12
notinwestcliffanymore says...
9:15am Thu 15 Nov 12
belfairs says...
9:17am Thu 15 Nov 12
maxell says...
surveyers know that they can make money , and they would not bother taking on clients if there was a zero chance of not winning. the bottom line no matter what anybody says, however much they try to justify thenselves if you have been affected by airport operations it is your legal right seek compensation.
9:18am Thu 15 Nov 12
belfairs says...
9:20am Thu 15 Nov 12
jayman says...
as for house prices, we may as well have an open cast sulphur mine in Southend. it would have had less of an effect.
9:34am Thu 15 Nov 12
Ian P says...
9:46am Thu 15 Nov 12
pussycats says...
9:53am Thu 15 Nov 12
notinwestcliffanymore says...
9:54am Thu 15 Nov 12
r6keith says...
10:21am Thu 15 Nov 12
maxell says...
11:03am Thu 15 Nov 12
JNFEnergy says...
But the costs of climate change are even greater. The world's scientists now tell us that 400,000 people are killed annually by climate change and the cost of climate disrution now exceeds $1 trillion every year. So people who care about human life want all polluting industries, like aviation, to dramatically reduce emissions and to do so immediately.
11:18am Thu 15 Nov 12
j-w says...
11:21am Thu 15 Nov 12
j-w says...
12:25pm Thu 15 Nov 12
Rayleigh Reader says...
12:50pm Thu 15 Nov 12
Diannah says...
In the meantime, let the rest of us live in a world of progress. King Canute couldn't stop the tide and neither can you take us back to the dark ages.
1:25pm Thu 15 Nov 12
bongking says...
1:27pm Thu 15 Nov 12
bongking says...
2:23pm Thu 15 Nov 12
notinwestcliffanymore says...
2:38pm Thu 15 Nov 12
Max Impact says...
If so how do you and or other staff visit Malaysia?
2:39pm Thu 15 Nov 12
Max Impact says...
Looks like Maxell is fatgezzers other log in name.
2:51pm Thu 15 Nov 12
Eric Whim says...
3:29pm Thu 15 Nov 12
maxell says...
3:40pm Thu 15 Nov 12
rjsizzler says...
3:46pm Thu 15 Nov 12
Joe Wildman says...
I ask as I have not been able to track down any information relating to any court case that you refer to, relating to Stobart facing court action in relation to the operations at Southend Airport.
As I have had no luck in this I would respectfully request that you would aid me in the task of finding this information.
I look forward to your response.
3:49pm Thu 15 Nov 12
Joe Wildman says...
Would you be able and willing to provide a link to any and all information relating to this court case please.
I ask as I have not been able to track down any information relating to any court case that you refer to, relating to Stobart facing court action in relation to the operations at Southend Airport.
As I have had no luck in this I would respectfully request that you would aid me in the task of finding this information.
I look forward to your response.”
3:51pm Thu 15 Nov 12
Eric Whim says...
4:09pm Thu 15 Nov 12
alimac69 says...
4:16pm Thu 15 Nov 12
emcee says...
It will be astronomically hard to prove loss of value based on the given criteria. Also, everyone concerned in awarding compensation will be fore-armed in the knowledge that these claims are being organised by disgruntled SAEN activists who are only using residents as ammo to try and inflict some kind of injury, after losing their little war.
It will all end in tears, for both SAEN and those residents trying in on.
5:21pm Thu 15 Nov 12
jolllyboy says...
5:44pm Thu 15 Nov 12
Druggie Scumbag says...
6:02pm Thu 15 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
disgrace even to a shepherd. That's the dilemma ......
6:54pm Thu 15 Nov 12
EastStBoy says...
Claimants: 800
Says it all really.
Part of me hopes that they only be given compensation so they can move away from this town. It would be worth it to get rid of such gimpish chancers.
6:59pm Thu 15 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
7:05pm Thu 15 Nov 12
sensiblelos says...
7:10pm Thu 15 Nov 12
sensiblelos says...
What surprises me is that there is a belief that this is only an airport issue and it should be the Airport only who should pay compensation. Why?
Is in not the case that the Landowner(the Council) financially benefits from the expansion. They did not have to agree to the expansion but they wanted to agree on behalf of the residents. If the Council benefits why is it not right that the Council should financially compensate those who have been disadvantaged?
Those who have serious concerns(and there are many) have a right to ask questions of the Council, if the decisions have been made that financially disadvantage many residents. Those residents should ask the Council:
. When considering the expansion did anyone consider the effect the expansion would have on property prices under the flight path?
- If this matter was considered what was the outcome?
-If this matter wasn't considered why not? who agreed that the potential financial disadvantage to many was not important.
It is the Councils responsibility as a landowner not just the airport owner to be a good neighbour. The Council has a duty to be a good neighbour, a good neighbour would consider the effect the expansion would have on those under the flight path has this been considered? If not why not?
Those homeowners who have been financially disadvantaged have a right to ask the Council" why have you not considered the effects the expansion will have on property prices under the flight path"?
7:30pm Thu 15 Nov 12
charwen says...
7:46pm Thu 15 Nov 12
largo1 says...
7:59pm Thu 15 Nov 12
Joe Wildman says...
So therefore your statement that SBC should also be held accountable must also be extended to Central Government and the Judges that backed the approvals voted for and approved democratically by the duly elected councillors who sit upon Southend Borough Council.
The appeals launched by LM/SAEN cosy Southend Borough Council £54,000 this money had to come out of general taxation of the residence of Southend, therefore it was the like of you and me that had to pay these charges, I was not asked by LM or SAEN if I was happy to pay these costs.
The council had no choice but to fight that case had they not any and all future and past approvals and or rejections could have been called in by the inspectorate with the council picking up the bill for any planning applications that were overturned this would have resulted in a bill running in to £100,000’s possibly millions when compensation payments are figured into the final bill.
The money paid out by the council defending itself money that HAD to be paid could have saved a job or two or been used to provide extra services, the council had acted wholly and fully in accordance with the planning laws, rules and regulations, this fact was proved as judge after judge backed Southend Borough Council in its actions relating to the approval.
8:08pm Thu 15 Nov 12
sensiblelos says...
8:18pm Thu 15 Nov 12
jayman says...
seems reasonable to me..
8:47pm Thu 15 Nov 12
EastStBoy says...
So if people are happy for 800 people to try and claim free money for something they could have objected to at the planning stage, then fine.
I know that everyone I have spoken to (including some that live extremely close to the airport) are excited over the prospect of the Airport's expansion.
9:13pm Thu 15 Nov 12
siddymint says...
Do these people then pay the airport compensation
9:33pm Thu 15 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
11:00pm Thu 15 Nov 12
pipeman says...
12:44am Fri 16 Nov 12
BASILBRUSH says...
If it was a Market appraisal then they may well have wasted their time if they wish to use it for legal comparison... just a thought.
As most will know, I fully support the Airport. It is a valuable asset to the town and has been a major employer for decades.
IF people are found to be genuinely out of pocket due to the Airport and expansion and subsequently legally entitled to compensation, then good luck to them......Having said that, I dont like the compensation culture,the chancer element and companies after a quick Buck.
Like insurance and its personal injury claims, we all end up paying for it in the long run.
I'd imagine even if they are 'no win no fee', the Lawyer/Surveyor will probably take a hefty percentage of the bounty if they are successful.
Maxell regarding one of your earlier posts, bearing in mind Height is defined as above ground and Altitude is above Sea level. Leigh is actually a maximum of about 276' elevation (this is marked as Thundersley/ S Benfleet) above mean sea level with the Airport at 49' above mean Sea level...Based on that I would be surprised if Leigh was 380-400'?
I reckon this story will run for quite a long time....... Perhaps the claimants (who I have no doubt use/will use the Airport) will put any 'winnings' towards a holiday. ;)
10:00am Fri 16 Nov 12
Old Boy says...
As I have said before how many of you protesters have used the airport?.
Not all but some.
And you bleat about the noise.
10:17am Fri 16 Nov 12
largo1 says...
1:02pm Fri 16 Nov 12
Walt Jabsco says...
1:06pm Fri 16 Nov 12
Walt Jabsco says...
2:37pm Fri 16 Nov 12
madmax1 says...
I hope their homes shrink in value.
3:02pm Fri 16 Nov 12
Joe Wildman says...
Whilst I know it is not illegal to do so, many insurance companies could use legal loop holes to get out of paying should a vehicle be damaged or stolen whilst parked upon a rented private property.
The car insurance company could with draw cover for the car forcing the owner to claim against the home owner, however the home owners insurance might not include cover for the use of the property to be used for business practices as such the renting out of the drive way could fall within.
It must also be remembered that all the money collected must to declared to the tax and revenue office, furthermore if the home is rented than permission from the landlord must be obtained as the rental agreement would probably exclude any business being operated from the property.
Another point should the home owner be in receipt of disability payments and be resisted as unfit to work the money taken must also be declared to the Income Support unit.
Let’s say there are 160,000 in Southend and let’s say 1000 have signed up that works out at 0.625% of the population of Southend, now I am no mathematician but something tells me that is below the majority that saen claim to be opposed to the airport.
3:54pm Fri 16 Nov 12
r6keith says...
4:02pm Fri 16 Nov 12
Joe Wildman says...
I have still not been able to trace any information relating to this case you are referring to in your previous comment on this thread.
I would like to ask you again to supply a link to any and all information relating to it.
If you do not have this information please just come out and admit to it, by not responding you are making the comment you posted as fact to be looked at with doubt not just by those pro-airport but by myself and probably by those who are anti-airport.
I am not asking for the world just for a link so that your comment can be substantiated by everyone on here.
6:10pm Fri 16 Nov 12
tophatdt says...
6:12pm Fri 16 Nov 12
tophatdt says...
e they win nothing.
6:12pm Fri 16 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
6:16pm Fri 16 Nov 12
tophatdt says...
6:41pm Fri 16 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
9:36pm Fri 16 Nov 12
Thomo100 says...
I live near a road and cars keep driving past, does anyone want to join me in a group, lets go for it and see what we will get!
ALL members of this stupid group should commit to give the EXTRA money that their houses are likely to be worth to causes that need the money, Children in need tonight just about puts it into context really!
9:46pm Fri 16 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
11:15pm Fri 16 Nov 12
Max Impact says...
If a school expands and takes in more screaming brats with school run mums blocking the road and parking accross driveways, should the value of a house drop can we claim compo?
If a hospital expands and a house has a loss in value can they go for compo?
8:59am Sat 17 Nov 12
tophatdt says...
9:10pm Sat 17 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
9:58pm Sat 17 Nov 12
sensiblelos says...
10:34pm Sat 17 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
9:28am Sun 18 Nov 12
sensiblelos says...
When considering the expansion did anyone consider the effect the expansion would have on property prices under the flight path?
- If this matter was considered what was the outcome?
-If this matter wasn't considered why not? who agreed that the potential financial disadvantage to many was not important.
you may or may not be aware that a good public neighbour should consider these questions before any development proceeds(unless of course the decision makers are not good neighbours), the questions are relevant and the answers to date i am unaware of, perhaps those decisions makers have the answers to the specific questions , however i see no evidence of that in any responses, posts or articles in the evening echo to date and i believe that those who have been disadvantaged have a right to know that the decision makers have considered the facts before imposing the expansion on them..as a resident i believe it is very important to establish that all the disadvantages(not just advantages) have been considered by the landowners before the decision was made to allow the expansion.....clearl
y the advantages should outweigh the disadvantages but how do we (as disadvantaged residents) know that everything has been considered if no evidence ( the facts) have been provided....
10:09am Sun 18 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
2. It's a done deal Sir, basically - so what!
This is a roundabout! Why do correspondents keeping going back to talk about landowners, decision makers, tinker, tailor etc it is not going to change anything o 'sensible one of Leigh' is it? The decision to expand was made, I feel with the best intentions of the community as a whole by an elected forum of people who acted on our behalf - it they felt it was necessary, why did they not have a local referendum. I am not going to comment any more - I am becoming akin to Victor Meldrew ........
10:12am Sun 18 Nov 12
RichardAC says...
10:47am Sun 18 Nov 12
sensiblelos says...
- If this matter was considered what was the outcome?
-If this matter wasn't considered why not? who agreed that the potential financial disadvantage to many was not important
...sorry you haven't answered the question as you cannot as you are a member of the public and not a decision maker evidently..you answer
1. Prices of property under the flight path - when buying it should have be realised by the solicitor in the conveyance.
2. It's a done deal Sir, basically - so what!
1.you have made reference to a purchaser...the question is whether the landowner(the council as landowner) not a buyer has considered the expansion and property prices. you are assuming Solicitors have a view on property prices, this assumption is incorrect. You are also assuming that a conveyance(at any point in time) would show that there would be an expansion at any time in the future..again you incorrect.
2."So what"? yes i guess that is the general position of the decision makers they take the same attitude..the disadvantages have not been considered. i did not ask the question of any member of the public.....perhaps at one point in time those decision makers will answer the questions but i doubt it....
The questions have not been asked to try to change anything, the question is being asked of those decision makers. have they taken informed decisions on behalf of its disadvantaged residents? if if not why not. the electorate should now this...
the decision to expand was made, but evidently if the landowners cannot confirm what the disadvantages would be and they haven't considered the impact, the decision was made without knowing the facts and the impacts it would have on its disadvantaged residents...
10:50am Sun 18 Nov 12
sensiblelos says...
you are making reference to the planning authority and the decisions of the planning authority, once again i note i have made no reference to the planning authority or its decision....
11:35am Sun 18 Nov 12
RichardAC says...
11:52am Sun 18 Nov 12
sensiblelos says...
When considering the expansion did anyone(the decision maker) consider the effect the expansion would have on property prices under the flight path?
- If this matter was considered what was the outcome?
-If this matter wasn't considered why not? who agreed that the potential financial disadvantage to many was not important.
the questions do not relate to the consultation.
A complaint could be justified if those who made the decision did so without knowing the facts.
I am sure that every disadvantaged resident wishes to know whether the decision makers have previously considered the impact of the expansion not just the advantages but disadvantages.. if the facts have not been obtained the decision should be questioned.
12:32pm Sun 18 Nov 12
RichardAC says...
I get more noise from my wife drying her hair than with EasyJet.
12:38pm Sun 18 Nov 12
sensiblelos says...
12:43pm Sun 18 Nov 12
RichardAC says...
12:59pm Sun 18 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
1:01pm Sun 18 Nov 12
tophatdt says...
1:13pm Sun 18 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
Right- lets all start again!
Put across in your own words your feelings about this topic in NO LESS than 110 words which means the rest of us can hopefully interpret these feelings (including mine) without all the superfluous ****!
tophatdt
sensiblelos
RichardAC
Joe Wildman
1:17pm Sun 18 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
6:58pm Sun 18 Nov 12
Max Impact says...
How can you talk about a task during the planning process and not mention the final outcome.
I beleve discussing the potential loss of value to property is not legally part of the planning process that has to be undertaken, if it was EVERY planning application would have to carry out the same process even if you wanted to change your windows or build a shed with foundations.
7:34pm Sun 18 Nov 12
sensiblelos says...
nd clearly i am not referring to loss of property prices in relation to the planning consent either.
8:20pm Sun 18 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
8:35pm Sun 18 Nov 12
sensiblelos says...
8:36pm Sun 18 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
11:03pm Sun 18 Nov 12
Joe Wildman says...
You said:
"When considering the expansion did anyone (the decision maker) consider the effect the expansion would have on property prices under the flight path?"
So surely the consideration would have taken place during the planning process which is what we have all been saying yet your keep denying you are talking about the planning process, whilst you might not have used the words planning and process, your still lumping your property prices consideration argument slap bang firmly in the middle of the planning process.
You then said:
“I did not ask the questions of the general public and I did not intend to debate the questions with those on this website”
You did ask the general public as you posted on this forum and you did open yourself up to a debate with those on this website as you posted your questions on it!
5:22am Mon 19 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
5:24am Mon 19 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
8:13am Mon 19 Nov 12
Joe Wildman says...
12:30pm Mon 19 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
3:51pm Mon 19 Nov 12
Joe Wildman says...
Same rules for writing a contract, the longer it is people start to skim over it and just sign on the dotted line.
4:00pm Mon 19 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
6:29pm Mon 19 Nov 12
sensiblelos says...
not that i would wish to enter into any debate on the planning process with you or any other person on this forum as i have made no reference to planning in any post previously, but i feel that you need to be told that you are factually incorrect in your comment. A planning process(up to the date of consent in this case ) does not in any way consider property prices.
your point may have been made in 46 words however what you say is clearly wrong.( (a lot less) is certainly more in this case)
7:06pm Mon 19 Nov 12
Joe Wildman says...
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH
HHHHH
You keep going on about was property value and if there was an investigation to see if the appoval would have had any effect on prices before the application was approved, why don't you ask the council, it's not up to us to find out for you.
I don't care if the planning process consider property prices, why should it, if you bring such a regulation in EVERY planning aplication would be bogged down in red .
So why do you not want to discuss/debate anything on the planning process with any other person on this forum, you might not have mentioned the subject but what is the reason why you will not debate the planning approval?
8:13am Tue 20 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
3:33pm Tue 20 Nov 12
Joe Wildman says...
.ti fo edis gninnalp eht etabed ot knalb tniop sesufer tey, ekam ot gniyrt si solelbisnes tniop tahw tuo ot gniyrt struh niarb yM
He seems to be stuck in a temporal causality loop.
My brain hurts trying to work out what point sensiblelos is trying to make, yet refuses point blank to debate the planning side of it.
7:01pm Tue 20 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
7:25pm Tue 20 Nov 12
Joe Wildman says...
Not just you and me, but virtually everybody on here apart from the man himself.
11:16am Wed 21 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
11:16am Wed 21 Nov 12
Olivia2847 says...
11:28pm Thu 29 Nov 12
Southend65 says...
In order to reduce the noise footprint, why don't planes always approach the airport from the north east (Burnham on Crouch) and depart using the same route?
Thanks in advance.