Holiday flights to France, Holland and Spain could be on the cards if Southend Airport's expansion plans take off, it has been revealed.

An extra 3,000 new jobs within five years would also be one of the rewards if the airport builds new public safety zones at either end of its runway.

It would mean literally picking up the 11th century St Laurence Church and moving it around 100 metres further away from the runway. Eastwoodbury Lane would also have to be diverted.

If expansion plans get the green light, bosses at Southend Airport are confident they can attract low-cost airlines, which would run 300,000 annual flights to holiday destinations.

Airport director Roger Campbell said without the buffer zones, expansion plans cannot go ahead and the airport would not survive.

Discussions have been launched with leaders of St Laurence Church, but a major consultation will go ahead in the next few months with Southend and Rochford councils, Essex County Council, the church and the public.

Southend Council bosses expressed cautious delight at hearing about the latest push.

For more on this story see www.business-in-essex.co.uk

Vision for the future - airport director Roger Campbell outlines plans for Southend while, right, St Laurence Church may have to be moved

By Charlie Mellor

Reporter's e-mail: charlie.mellor@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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