Is Southend's radar primary only? Also, are they hoping for controlled airspace before the Olympics?
Found this statement online:
Completion of the runway extension, and the airport’s congestion-free location outside the London air traffic control area, make it a good location to meet the demand for European business and leisure travel, which is best served by aircraft such as the Airbus 319, Boeing 737 and Embraer 195, with up to 160 seats.
Not sure that makes it a good location in my books?