A SURVEYOR expects a “battle” with Southend Airport to get compensation for people whose homes have been devalued by its expansion and wants to take cases to court early.

Cardiff-based surveyors Carrick and Co, who are representing more than 300 homeowners in Southend, Rochford and Leigh, have spoken to solicitor Hugh James, who succesfully won compensation for homeowners affected by the expansion of Manchester Airport, over taking their claims to court.

Director Jonathan Carrington said: “We don’t think Southend Airport are going to roll over and pay the claims. We anticipate it’s going to be a battle.

“We have spoken to solicitors and want to take it to court at an early stage.”

Westcliff-based chartered surveyor Michael Marriott and Chris Hunt, of Dorking-based Hunt Scott, are also 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 after the runway was extended in March. More than 500 homeowners have signed up with Mr Marriott and about 60 with Mr Hunt.

Claimants will have to prove their home has been devalued by noise, vibration, dust, smell, light pollution, discharge or fumes.

Claims can be submitted from a year after the runway extension was completed on March 8 next year for a period of six years.

If surveyors and the airport cannot agree on a valuation, claimants will be able to take their cases to court.

Surveyors will not charge for home valuations. However, clients may be charged the cost of the surveyor testifying as an expert witness if the airport fails to agree compensation and the client takes the fight to a lands tribunal and loses.

Alastair Welch, managing director of the airport, said: "We would suggest people may wish to check the small print of any agreement they may plan to enter into with any advisor carefully."