Sorry to be negative, but seriously what need is there for this airport? It has never succeeded in supporting any for of base for any airline and is in the arse end of nowhere. Move on, there is a housing shortage in this country and these are the kind of pointless brownfield sites that should be built on.
Some people would call it negative, others would call it pragmatic. IT's a shame that there isn't the demand and people lost their jobs/carreers but it was an impossible situation business-wise. It's even more difficult now that Southend is a 'go-er'. Gatwick can support a second runway.
For once I agree with Rivet joint. Housing and an interim option for operation stack.
It is a sad situation.