I've been told by 2 seperate (well placed) sources that the airport authorities are considering laying a completley new runway ( I assume parrallel to the existing runway ).
As a result of this, I've also had a quick look around the internet and a found a document which reports on a visit to Rochford District Council on 5th October 2006 (no it's not an old document from 2001/2) by some Essex County Council Officers. It States,
"Consideration is being given to runway extension/realignment which could involve a closure or diversion of Eastwoodbury Lane".
I'm aware that this option was looked at a few years ago and rejected, but I'm assured that it is definitley being reconsidered currently - I assume this may have been forced on the airport management because of their inability to persuade carriers to use the existing runway configuration.
I have no idea how far things have progressed, but would assume that if they are serious, something will be announced within the next few months.