So who owns the freehold of Southend Airport? Not Stobart but the council. The freeholder could just say no which would stop Stobart in their tracks regardless of any planning application.
10million is a ridiculous number that only plane spotters would support. A quick look at google maps shows the airport access is via the local road network and is not served directly by easy access dual carriageways that bypass the town. 10 million passengers would have a major impact on local roads and residents lives who need to be heard.