Important: any suspected ordnance must be reported to the police
We are committed to keeping members of the public safe and informed in relation to any access restrictions and health and safety issues associated with Shoebury Garrison (formerly known as the ‘Old Ranges’).
There are no new risks associated with this former military site but as part of our due diligence in protecting the public and Council staff/contractors, a report by an ordnance disposal specialist (Dynasafe BACTEC) was commissioned prior to transfer of the sea wall, coastal defences and associated areas from the developer of the Shoebury Garrison (Avant Homes (Central) Ltd) to the Council.
Foreshore
The land at Shoebury Garrison is part owned by the Council and part owned by the Ministry of Defence (MoD); and the restricted foreshore area is closed off to the public in the interests of public safety. These restrictions will be enforced by both the Council and the MoD.
Gunners Park
Common activities that would take place in a park such as walking, running and cycling are safe within Gunners Park. However, activities that are already prohibited in the town’s other parks and open spaces such as metal detecting and digging, would not be permissible for safety reasons. These restrictions apply to all areas of Gunners Park, including the parkland managed by Essex Wildlife Trust (see map in attachments section of the page for details of the park boundary).
Coastal defences
The coastal defences at Shoebury Garrison have been carried out to the Council’s reasonable satisfaction as required by the Section 106 Agreement. The Council recently commissioned an independent assessment by Mott MacDonald (Flood Management Engineers) to confirm its condition.
Further information in relation to MoD land at Shoeburyness (including details of Prohibited Beaches) can be found on the QinetiQ website.
Any queries in relation to the above or the attachments can be sent to emergencyplanning@southend.gov.uk.
Attachments
- Shoeburyness Artillery Ranges Bye Laws
- Dynasafe BACTEC Assessment dated 27th November 2015
- Mott Macdonald report dated 26th November 2015
- Land Quality Statement dated 5th June 1995 and 7th June 1995 (available from Ministry of Defence)
- Unexploded Ordnance Reconnaissance Report Dated 23rd June 1998 (available from Ministry of Defence)
- Map showing Gunners Park Boundary (Plan 4 from S106 Agreement dated 6th February 2004)