EXTENDING the runway as part of Southend Airport’s expansion is the main concern of people living nearby, according to the results of the council’s consultation.

The airport wants to extend the runway across Eastwoodbury Lane as part of its development plans, which would allow 2,000 passenger flights to Spain and other European destinations, each year.

Southend and Rochford district councils have carried out the joint area action plan to assess people’s reactions to the proposals.

The runway extension was the most controversial issue of the development, but people have also raised concern about the expansion of the business park and increased congestion on the roads.

As part of the survey, 200,000 questionnaires were sent out across Southend and Rochford.

There were 2,229 responses, with 1,753 people raising objections. In total, there were 437 objections to the runway.

Southend Council leader Nigel Holdcroft said he was pleased the details of the consultation had been released as it avoided any suggestion the information was being deliberately withheld.

He added: “The number of responses is perhaps slightly surprising, bearing in mind the publicity given to the consultation through the local media, councils and others.

“By way of comparison, it is less than the 2,351 responses received on the recent South Essex Rapid Transit consultation.”

Terry Cutmore, leader of Rochford District Council, said: “It is important to remember this was not a referendum, but all the issues and responses will be carefully studied by the two councils.

“Hopefully, what we have already been able to agree with the airport will help to alleviate a lot of the concerns which have been raised.

“Normally you find those who object to something are more vociferous than those who are in favour.”

Meanwhile, many residents have spoken in favour of the airport expansion, as flying to Europe would be much easier for people in south Essex.

Mum-of-two, Sharon Taylor, 32, of Victoria Road, Rayleigh, said: “We go on holiday to Spain at least once a year, and there would be a lot less hassle if we were able to go from Southend rather than having to drive to another airport.”

Brendan Whitehead, of Golden Cross, Rochford, lives about a mile away from the main flightpath to the airport.

He said: “People are always going to want to go on holiday and business trips abroad.

“For thousands of people around south Essex, it will also be more environmentally friendly as they will not have to drive to London City, Stansted or Gatwick.

“Expanding Southend could actually prove to be a green alternative. I could walk there from where I live.”

A public meeting is being held about about the proposed airport expansion on Friday, November 13, at Leigh Adult Community Centre, in Elm Road. It starts at 7.30pm.