In the review of Southend neighbourhoods the following comment was made regarding Leigh. "North of the London Road are the residential areas of Belfairs and Blenheim, with a mix of Edwardian and Inter-War dwellings, and some more modern, larger properties adjacent to Belfairs Wood and Golf Course. This part of the Borough contains a number of secondary schools, playing fields and parks, and has a leafy feel with a large number of mature street trees and grass verges, including within." The area North of London Road is negatively impacted by the constant air traffic which fly in a tight path always going over Westcliff High School and playing fields, homes and Bonchurch Park. Since the expansion of the airport appears key to Southend development plans could the following suggestions be considered.
1. Request that the takeoff flight path vary so that the same areas are not impacted by the noise and air pollution.
2. As part of the plan to protect the environment request/encourage that the existing airlines use quieter planes and or less polluting ones. Any new airlines would be required to use quieter and less polluting planes. This would also help in enhancing the natural environment.