3.8 Shoeburyness | Southend Local Plan

3.8.1 General Character

The eastern most neighbourhood in the Borough, Shoeburyness is perhaps one of the most fragmented of the areas in Southend, displaying a wide range of spatial and architectural characteristics over a number of distinct zones (Map 52 and Figure 30). The Garrison is a significant feature of the area, an important example of Victorian military establishment design with a strong urban form much of which is protected by Conservation Area status set in a generous layout of green spaces and parkland which abuts the coastline. The Garrison buildings have largely been converted to residential uses, and other areas of the wider site have been built out for residential, developed to integrate with the original form. The Garrison, and the neighbouring East Beach, forms part of the attractiveness of the area for tourism.

The rest of South Shoebury is more influenced by the neighbouring Thorpe Bay, following a grid pattern with relatively large plots although tight knit Victorian/Edwardian terraced housing predominates around the West Road neighbourhood centre and local centre in Shoebury High Street, both of which provide a range of shops and services. North Shoebury is characterised by cul-de-sac, often lacking in terms of legibility and permeability, and open-plan modern low-rise development. The area contains an out of town retail development, anchored by a large ASDA store. To the north, Bournes Green Chase / Poynters Lane, currently act as a clear boundary to the built-up area. Land north of this is currently in agricultural use and designated as Green Belt. This land has, however, potential as a new neighbourhood on the edge of Southend as part of Strategy Option C and D (see Section 2.1: Providing New Homes), which could provide a new link road, country park, homes, jobs, education and health facilities and other supporting infrastructure.

Shoebury is also home to employment / industrial areas, providing an important local employment base. However, some of the older traditional industrial areas are in need of renewal or reallocation to other uses, and some employment allocations on the Garrison are primarily now in residential use. The MOD/Qinetic still maintains a presence on the “New Ranges” and provides local employment.

There is a wide variation in socio economic conditions within the area. The Index of multi-deprivation indicates that areas around Delaware Road and the eastern end of Eagle Way are within the lowest 10% of Lower Super Output Areas in the country. In contrast parts of Shoeburyness, particularly in the north and west of the area are among the least deprived nationally.

Map 52: Shoeburyness Characteristics

Figure 30: Shoeburyness Characteristics

No. Homes	9,339	Land Area (ha)	543
Density	17.2 dph	Car Ownership	1.2

3.8.2 Vision - Shoeburyness

Where we want to be

For Shoeburyness to grow in a sustainable way and adapt to change in a positive manner, enhancing its existing characteristics. The historic core around the Garrison will be conserved and East Beach carefully managed for both its tourism and ecological value. The range of local centres and facilities will be allowed to evolve and be enhanced to facilitate the role of Shoeburyness as a complete neighbourhood. To aid feedback a draft set of priorities for Shoeburyness is included below:

New housing, where acceptable in principle, will be of high quality and enhance the characteristics of the local area.
The Shoebury Garrison Conservation Area and other designated heritage assets will be conserved and enhanced.
The environmental quality of employment areas will be enhanced, and the existing stock upgraded
Opportunities to improve the offer of existing neighbourhood and local centres and shopping parades to serve the day to day needs of the local community will be encouraged, including community facilities and healthcare services, with improved walking and cycling connections to surrounding residential areas.
Working with partners to facilitate East Beach as a key tourism, recreational and environmental asset, including sustainable access and enhanced links to Shoeburyness Railway Station.
Effectively integrating Shoeburyness with potential new development to the north of Bournes Green Chase/Poynters Lane, potentially including new link road and new country park.
Seek to enhance existing green space.

Question 3.8.2 Shoeburyness (Vision)

Have your say………

Please explain your answers

a. Do you agree with our draft vision and priorities for Shoeburyness? If not, let us know what we have missed.

3.8.3 Complete Neighbourhoods (accessibility to services and facilities)

The following profile seeks to build up a picture of the ‘completeness’ of Shoeburyness. Completeness is based on mapping the walking catchments around different day to day facilities (17 different facilities in total) ⁶. The catchment areas vary by facility and reflect comfortable walking distances for the average, able-bodied person. The catchments are based on actual walking routes rather than ‘as the crow flies’ distances.

A high completeness score means a place has lots of facilities the community needs within an easy walking distance. This approach recognises the important links to health and social well-being, community cohesion and inclusion.

The completeness score for Shoeburyness, by infrastructure type, is summarised in the rainbow image below. For example 66% of the neighbourhood lies within easy walking distance to a health facility, 80% of the neighbourhood is within easy walking distance of sports and leisure facilities, while 24% is within easy reach of green space.

Shoeburyness context infographic: describes characteristics of Southend including 8 distinct neighbourhoods; 82,000 existing homes and 19.6 homes per hectare; resident population of 183,100 and 7 million visitors per year; over 64,000 jobs in Southend; 1 international airport; 9 train stations; extensive bus routes; over 500 hectares of protected greenspace; 1 car per household, 0.65 cars per flat

Shoeburyness ‘Aggregated Completeness Score’ = 53%

Map – as an example a high completeness score would be 14 –17 different facilities being within a reasonable walking distance from home. Conversely a low score would be less than 4 facilities within walking distance.

Question 3.8.3 Shoeburyness (Infrastructure)

Have your say…….

Please explain your answer

a. Are there any issues with infrastructure provision in Shoeburyness? Please explain your answer and let us know what the priorities should be over the next 20 years.

3.8.4 Land Use Proposals – Shoeburyness

A number of potential land use proposals are identified for future housing, employment and open space. For each site, the location, proposed use and indicative amount of development (if applicable) is provided.

3.8.4.1 New Homes

The type and quality of the housing offer can have a significant impact on the health and wealth of places. Their ability to attract and retain people and provide support for those who need it relies on good housing and attractive and inclusive neighbourhoods.

Potential site proposals for residential development can be viewed in Map 53. Table 48 sets outs relevant information including, context and surrounding uses, proposed use, estimated number of new dwellings and what ‘components of growth’ the site contributes to in reference to Section 2: Housing Need (Table 2).

The sites have been promoted to us by landowners/ agents and are included here for comment. Table 48 also notes the amount of new homes that are likely to come forward over the lifetime of the plan through sites already with planning permission and windfall development.

For more information on each site an assessment can be viewed by clicking on the link reference in Table 48 below, or via the Councils website: Appendix 4: Site Proformas | Southend Local Plan

Map 53: Potential Residential Sites - Shoeburyness (excluding those with planning permission)

Table 48: Potential Residential Sites - Shoeburyness

Individual Potential Sites listed below

Question 3.8.4.1a Shoeburyness (Residential)

HEA109...Parking Area and adjacent areas at Eagle Way

HEA109

Context and Surrounding uses - A former Council owned garage site which has since been demolished with the area left open for parking. The land to the north which is included within the proposal is currently an under-utilised grass area with low-level planting (Not designated).

Potential Land Use - This Council owned site has been submitted through the Call for Sites process for residential development

Potential Land Use (Summary) - Residential development

Component of Change - Urban Area General

Estimated number of homes - Gross 12 Net 12

https://localplan.southend.gov.uk/sites/localplan.southend/files/2021-08/Shoeburyness%20Proformas.pdf#page=2

Have your say…….

Please explain your answer

Question a - Do you agree with the potential proposals for this site? Please explain your answer. You may wish to outline the type and scale of development you would like to see come forward in reference to Figure 31: Development Typologies.

Question 3.8.4.1a Shoeburyness (Residential)

HEA118...Thorpedene Campus

HEA118

Context and Surrounding uses - Includes Delaware House, a two-storey residential care home, and Thorpedene Clinic, which includes NHS facilities. Railway track to the north. Surrounding area largely residential. Significant change in levels from Maplin Way North to Delaware Road.

Potential Land Use - This site has been submitted through the Call for Sites process. Existing building(s) in public ownership that may benefit from some renewal, redevelopment or expansion that could provide new and better quality homes that are designed to be adaptable so local people can reside independently through all stages of their lives. To gain a comprehensive understanding of development potential, all existing housing estates in public ownership have been included for comment. At the time of publication of this document no Council decision has been made on redeveloping this site.

Potential Land Use (Summary) - Residential led development with potential for community use

Component of Change - Urban Area General

Estimated number of homes - Gross 65 Net 65

https://localplan.southend.gov.uk/sites/localplan.southend/files/2021-08/Shoeburyness%20Proformas.pdf#page=3

Question a - Do you agree with the potential proposals for this site? Please explain your answer. You may wish to outline the type and scale of development you would like to see come forward in reference to Figure 31: Development Typologies.

Question 3.8.4.1a Shoeburyness (Residential)

HEA221...Avon Way / West Road, Avon Way

HEA221

Context and Surrounding uses - Group of eight 2 storey buildings with car parking to the front and shared green spaces. In a low-rise residential area.

Potential Land Use - Existing building in public ownership that may benefit from some renewal, redevelopment or expansion that could provide new and better quality homes that are designed to be adaptable so local people can reside independently through all stages of their lives. To gain a comprehensive understanding of development potential, all existing housing estates in public ownership have been included for comment. At the time of publication of this document no Council decision has been made on redeveloping this site.

Potential Land Use (Summary) - Residential development

Component of Change - Housing Regeneration Sites

Estimated number of homes - Gross 63 Net 0

https://localplan.southend.gov.uk/sites/localplan.southend/files/2021-08/Shoeburyness%20Proformas.pdf#page=6

Question a - Do you agree with the potential proposals for this site? Please explain your answer. You may wish to outline the type and scale of development you would like to see come forward in reference to Figure 31: Development Typologies.

Question 3.8.4.1a Shoeburyness (Residential)

HEA226...Crouchmans, 46 Centurion Close

HEA226

Context and Surrounding uses - Group of 1 and 2 storey buildings currently occupied as sheltered housing. Located in a mainly residential area on the urban edge. Adjacent to Friars Park and surrounded by low-rise housing.

Potential Land Use - Existing building in public ownership that may benefit from some renewal, redevelopment or expansion that could provide new and better quality homes that are designed to be adaptable so local people can reside independently through all stages of their lives. To gain a comprehensive understanding of development potential, all existing housing estates in public ownership have been included for comment. At the time of publication of this document no Council decision has been made on redeveloping this site.

Potential Land Use (Summary) - Residential development

Component of Change - Housing Regeneration Sites

Estimated number of homes - Gross 60 Net 0

https://localplan.southend.gov.uk/sites/localplan.southend/files/2021-08/Shoeburyness%20Proformas.pdf#page=7

Question a - Do you agree with the potential proposals for this site? Please explain your answer. You may wish to outline the type and scale of development you would like to see come forward in reference to Figure 31: Development Typologies.

Question 3.8.4.1a Shoeburyness (Residential)

HEA229...Great Mead, 200 Frobisher Way

HEA229

Context and Surrounding uses - Part 2 and 3 storey sheltered housing building with car park and shared gardens. Located in a residential estate fronting Frobisher Way. Near to a local centre.

Potential Land Use - Existing building in public ownership that may benefit from some renewal, redevelopment or expansion that could provide new and better quality homes that are designed to be adaptable so local people can reside independently through all stages of their lives. To gain a comprehensive understanding of development potential, all existing housing estates in public ownership have been included for comment. At the time of publication of this document no Council decision has been made on redeveloping this site.

Potential Land Use (Summary) - Residential development

Component of Change - Housing Regeneration Sites

Estimated number of homes - Gross 53 Net 5

https://localplan.southend.gov.uk/sites/localplan.southend/files/2021-08/Shoeburyness%20Proformas.pdf#page=8

Question a - Do you agree with the potential proposals for this site? Please explain your answer. You may wish to outline the type and scale of development you would like to see come forward in reference to Figure 31: Development Typologies.

Question 3.8.4.1a Shoeburyness (Residential)

HEA231...Kestrel House, 96 Eagle Way

HEA231

Context and Surrounding uses - Part 1 and 2 storey sheltered housing building with car parking and shared greenspaces. In a residential setting surrounded by low rise housing. Near to local centre and Friars Park.

Potential Land Use - Existing building in public ownership that may benefit from some renewal, redevelopment or expansion that could provide new and better quality homes that are designed to be adaptable so local people can reside independently through all stages of their lives. To gain a comprehensive understanding of development potential, all existing housing estates in public ownership have been included for comment. At the time of publication of this document no Council decision has been made on redeveloping this site.

Potential Land Use (Summary) - Residential development

Component of Change - Housing Regeneration Sites

Estimated number of homes - Gross 51 Net 0

https://localplan.southend.gov.uk/sites/localplan.southend/files/2021-08/Shoeburyness%20Proformas.pdf#page=9

Question a - Do you agree with the potential proposals for this site? Please explain your answer. You may wish to outline the type and scale of development you would like to see come forward in reference to Figure 31: Development Typologies.

Question 3.8.4.1a Shoeburyness (Residential)

HEA232...57-103 Kingfisher Close and 58-120 Sandpiper Close

HEA232

Context and Surrounding uses - Group of eight 2 storey buildings with car parking to the front and shared green spaces. In a low-rise residential area.

Potential Land Use - Existing building in public ownership that may benefit from some renewal, redevelopment or expansion that could provide new and better quality homes that are designed to be adaptable so local people can reside independently through all stages of their lives. To gain a comprehensive understanding of development potential, all existing housing estates in public ownership have been included for comment. At the time of publication of this document no Council decision has been made on redeveloping this site.

Potential Land Use (Summary) - Residential development

Component of Change - Housing Regeneration Sites

Estimated number of homes - Gross 32 Net 0

https://localplan.southend.gov.uk/sites/localplan.southend/files/2021-08/Shoeburyness%20Proformas.pdf#page=10

Question a - Do you agree with the potential proposals for this site? Please explain your answer. You may wish to outline the type and scale of development you would like to see come forward in reference to Figure 31: Development Typologies.

Question 3.8.4.1a Shoeburyness (Residential)

HEA234...Longmans, 11 Rampart Street

HEA234

Context and Surrounding uses - Group of mainly 2 storey buildings currently used as sheltered accommodation near to seafront. Area is generally residential of 1 to 3 storey buildings

Potential Land Use - Existing building in public ownership that may benefit from some renewal, redevelopment or expansion that could provide new and better quality homes that are designed to be adaptable so local people can reside independently through all stages of their lives. To gain a comprehensive understanding of development potential, all existing housing estates in public ownership have been included for comment. At the time of publication of this document no Council decision has been made on redeveloping this site.

Potential Land Use (Summary) - Residential development

Component of Change - Housing Regeneration Sites

Estimated number of homes - Gross 77 Net 25

https://localplan.southend.gov.uk/sites/localplan.southend/files/2021-08/Shoeburyness%20Proformas.pdf#page=11

Question a - Do you agree with the potential proposals for this site? Please explain your answer. You may wish to outline the type and scale of development you would like to see come forward in reference to Figure 31: Development Typologies.

Question 3.8.4.1a Shoeburyness (Residential)

HEA135...Playing Field, George Street

HEA135

Context and Surrounding uses - Grassed playing field associated with former Hinguar School. Shoebury High Street to the north west, residential uses opposite the site, mainly 2 storey, open space public toilets and East Beach lie to the east and south east. Covenant issues on land

Potential Land Use - The site has been submitted through the Call for Sites process. Potential for residential development and to enhance adjacent East Beach recreational / environmental offer..

Potential Land Use (Summary) - Residential development

Component of Change - Green Space Release Sites

Estimated number of homes - Gross 16 Net 16

https://localplan.southend.gov.uk/sites/localplan.southend/files/2021-08/Shoeburyness%20Proformas.pdf#page=4

Question a - Do you agree with the potential proposals for this site? Please explain your answer. You may wish to outline the type and scale of development you would like to see come forward in reference to Figure 31: Development Typologies.

Question 3.8.4.1a Shoeburyness (Residential)

HEA137

Context and Surrounding uses - Large site, designated protected green space, includes an area of landfill greened over. Mixture of uses surround the site including residential, school, open space.

Potential Land Use - The site has been submitted through the Call for Sites process. Potential for residential. Tree planting on the remaining green space would increase biodiversity. There is an existing programme of managing the habitat with controlled cutting regimes to increase biodiversity. Site remediation would also be required.

Potential Land Use (Summary) - Residential development with improvements to remaining green space

Component of Change - Green Space Release Sites

Estimated number of homes - Gross 300 Net 300

https://localplan.southend.gov.uk/sites/localplan.southend/files/2021-08/Shoeburyness%20Proformas.pdf#page=5

Question a - Do you agree with the potential proposals for this site? Please explain your answer. You may wish to outline the type and scale of development you would like to see come forward in reference to Figure 31: Development Typologies.

Question 3.8.4.1a Shoeburyness (Residential)

EA036...Terminal Close Employment Area

EA036

Context and Surrounding uses - Existing employment site. Industrial estate made up of 1.5 storey buildings next to Shoeburyness train station, which may potentially cause noise issues. The site may also be contaminated: this requires further investigation. Site designated for employment.

Potential Land Use - Terminal Close is currently underutilised with half of the site being vacant and difficult to let due to the poor condition of premises and the unviable nature of the significant investment that would be required to bring the site up to modern day standards.

Potential Land Use (Summary) - Mixed Use

Component of Change - Employment Release Site

Estimated number of homes - Gross 149 Net 119

https://localplan.southend.gov.uk/sites/localplan.southend/files/2021-08/Shoeburyness%20Proformas.pdf#page=1

Question a - Do you agree with the potential proposals for this site? Please explain your answer. You may wish to outline the type and scale of development you would like to see come forward in reference to Figure 31: Development Typologies.

Question 3.8.4.1b Shoeburyness (Residential)

Question b - Do you have any other comments on housing provision in Shoeburyness? If yes, please explain your answer.

3.8.4.2 Urban Form and Development Typologies

Good quality urban design will be essential in new housing development if the character of the neighbourhood is to be enhanced.

Map 54 shows the Urban Forms of Shoeburyness neighbourhood. This has been informed by the Southend Borough Wide Character Study and is intended to provide a broad overview of the types and densities of development across the neighbourhood; this can range from low density, areas of detached housing, to low rise flats.

To assist with the preparation of development management and design policies, which will impact the scale, type and density of new homes, we are interested in your views on broadly what types of development you think should come forward in the neighbourhood. It may be that there are different parts of the neighbourhood that you think could accommodate different types of development.

Figure 31 provides a range of development typologies at different densities, for both houses and flats. We’d like to know whether there is a particular typology that you’d like to see come forward in Shoeburyness and within the different Urbans Forms as shown in Map 54. For instance you may believe the medium density residential area within Map 54 should accommodate similar development, such as house typologies H2 and H3, and flat typology F1, within Figure 31.

Figure 31 - Development Typologies

Map 54: Urban Form of Shoeburyness

Urban Characteristics

Question 3.8.4.2 Urban Form

Have your say………

Please explain your answers

a. Are there development typologies (Figure 31) that you would like to see come forward in Shoeburyness? Please explain your answer – you may wish to refer to the different urban forms presented in Map 54 in your response.

To view our mapping feature showing Urban Forms: Southend-on-Sea Borough Council – Local Plan: Map 2 Urban Forms Map (opus4.co.uk)

3.8.4.3 Employment

There are a number of industrial estates in Shoeburyness, largely clustered in the area close to the railway station and sidings. Vanguard Way, Towerfield Road and Campfield Road are particularly important locations offering a range of different sizes of units, from large format spaces accommodating major employers through to small business units such as the Seedbed Centre at Vanguard Way. It is intended they will be safeguarded for this purpose. Terminal Close and Shoebury Garrison Employment Areas may however offer opportunities for redevelopment for housing as they are currently functioning poorly as employment areas and have been identified for potential release. Terminal Close has a high vacancy rate and poor quality buildings, while Shoebury Garrison has lost most of its employment function to residential development and is likely to continue to do so as permissions have been granted for more residential development on other parts of the employment area. Table 49 and Map 55 sets out the employment land use proposals for Shoeburyness.

For businesses with regional and national markets, the location of Shoeburyness at the very end of the A13 creates access issues. It can take a considerable time at peak hours to negotiate traffic in Southend before reaching the Borough boundary. The proposed new Link Road offers the potential to improve accessibility to Shoebury’s employment areas.

Table 49: Land Use Proposals in Shoeburyness – Employment Land

Ref. No.	Site Name	Category	Hectares
	Vanguard Way	Safeguarded	10.69
	Towerfield Road	Safeguarded	7.25
	Campfield Road	Safeguarded	6.13
	Shoebury Garrison	Re-allocation	-1.49
	Terminal Close	Re-allocation	-0.94
Total			21.64

Map 55: Land Use Proposals in Shoeburyness – Employment Land

Shoeburyness Employment Areas: Map of Shoeburyness neighbourhood showing safeguarded employment land; existing employment land allocations; potential new employment land allocations and potential re-allocation of employment land.

Question 3.8.4.3a Shoeburyness (Employment)

Have your say………

Please explain your answers

Question a. Do you agree that Vanguard Way should be safeguarded as a local employment site?

Question a. Do you agree that Towerfield Road should be safeguarded as a local employment site?

Question a. Do you agree that Campfield Road should be safeguarded as a local employment site?

Question a. Do you agree that Shoebury Garrison employment area should be re-allocated for residential led redevelopment?

Question a. Do you agree that Terminal Close employment area should be re-allocated for residential led redevelopment?

Question 3.8.4.3b Shoeburyness (Employment)

Question b. Do you have any other comments on employment land provision in Shoeburyess? If yes, please explain your answer.

3.8.4.4 Commercial Centres

To ensure the vitality of town centres, the National Planning Policy Framework encourages local planning authorities to implement planning policies and decisions that support the role that town centres play at the heart of local communities, by taking a positive approach to their growth, management, and adaptation.

The Government recently introduced changes to the Use Classes Order which consolidates a wide range of uses including retail, food, financial services, gyms, healthcare, nurseries, offices, and light industry into a single use class (Use Class E) and any change of use of a building or land between those uses falling within this Use Class will not require planning permission. It is therefore proposed to define as “Commercial Areas”, centres where we will promote ground floor uses to be within Class E Use Class and encourage improvements to shopfronts and the street scene.

There are a range of commercial centres in the Borough that protect ground floor uses for business purposes (use class E⁷) and thereby perform a vital function by ensuring communities are served by a range of retail and commercial services. Those centres within Shoeburyness are outlined in Table 50 and Map 56.

As of August 2021, the Government is also introducing expanded permitted development rights to enable Commercial Uses to be converted to residential without planning permission. Due to this there are limitations on safeguarding ground floor commercial uses within key centres from changing to residential. However, under Article 4 of the General Permitted Development Order a local planning authority can apply to the Secretary of State to withdraw specified permitted development rights across a defined area. The use of Article 4 directions should not be expansive and therefore if we were to use them to restrict ground floor commercial uses from changing to residential, we must focus them to the most important frontages. In reference to Map 56 and Table 50 we are interested in your views on which centres we should investigate for using Article 4 Directions in order to restrict ground floor commercial frontages from being developed to residential under permitted development.

A number of amendments are proposed to de-designate parts of existing centres as shown in Map 56. These are in areas which either suffer from high vacancies or has lost a commercial frontage at ground floor level.

There are amendments proposed to the Shoeburyness (West Road) Neighbourhood Centre due to the reduction of active frontages in the north and south of the centre that reduce its ability to function as an effective Commercial, business and service sector. The northern section has a high vacancy rate while the southern section has a high proportion of units in residential use, introducing a dispersed distribution of commercial activities along these parts of the centre. To ensure a healthy commercial centre which delivers the required improvements and which functions accordingly it might be necessary to consider the extent of the centre by redefining and consolidating the areas dedicated to commercial activities to ensure a focused approach with emphasis on the areas located in the middle of the centre.

There are similar amendments also proposed to the High Street, Shoeburyness local centre due to a high proliferation of residential uses on the northern and southern parts of the centre.

Table 50: Shoeburyness Commercial Centres

Ref	Name	Centre Type
11	Shoeburyness (West Road)	Neighbourhood Centre
39	Ness Road	Local Centre
40	The Renown	Local Centre
41	High Street, Shoeburyness	Local Centre
G	North Shoebury	Out of Town Retail Parks

Map 56: Shoeburyness Commercial Centres

Retail elements and commercial centres Shoeburyness

Question 3.8.4.4a Shoeburyness (Commercial Centres)

Have your say…….

Please explain your answer

Question a - Should we seek to define Shoeburyness (West Road) as a Neighbourhood Centre as set out in Table 50 to promote a range of commercial uses to serve local community needs and provide local employment opportunities?

Question a - Should we seek to define Ness Road as a Local Centre as set out in Table 50 to promote a range of commercial uses to serve local community needs and provide local employment opportunities?

Question a - Should we seek to define The Renown as a Local Centre as set out in Table 50 to promote a range of commercial uses to serve local community needs and provide local employment opportunities?

Question a - Should we seek to define High Street, Shoeburyness as a Local Centre as set out in Table 50 to promote a range of commercial uses to serve local community needs and provide local employment opportunities?

Question a - Should we seek to define North Shoebury as an Out of Town Retail Park as set out in Table 50 to promote a range of commercial uses to serve local community needs and provide local employment opportunities?

Question 3.8.4.4b Shoeburyness (Commercial Centres)

b. Should we investigate using Article 4 direction to safeguard ground floor commercial uses within the town, district and neighbourhood centres by restricting permitted development changes to residential – if yes, what frontages?

Question 3.8.4.4c Shoeburyness (Commercial Centres)

c. Do you agree with the proposed amendments to commercial centres as set out on Map 56?

Question 3.8.4.4d Shoeburyness (Commercial Centres)

d. Are there any other areas within the Shoeburyness Neighbourhood area that we haven’t identified that should be promoted for commercial activities at ground floor level? If yes, please explain your answer and let us know where.

3.8.4.5 Green Space

National planning policy allows for Local Plans to identify and protect existing green space so it is not built on unless an assessment demonstrates the open space, buildings or land are surplus to requirements; any open space lost would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity, quality and access; or the benefits of new sports and recreation facilities clearly outweigh the loss of the current or former use as open space. In this respect the New Local Plan seeks to protect the green spaces as set out in Table 51 and Map 57.

Existing Green Space

Shoebury Park, Friars Park, Gunners Park and East Beach are key areas of green space within the neighbourhood. Gunners Park has been re-configured as a result of the redevelopment of the Shoebury Garrison and is a large area of informal public space, including a pond, areas of natural open space, children’s play area, skateboard park and tennis courts. The areas of natural open space are managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust. The broader Garrison development includes a cricket field. Friars Park contains two ponds and a play area for older children. Other play spaces are located around the neighbourhood, such as off Caulfield Road. Tree canopy cover in the neighbourhood ranges from 8.6% of the ward in West Shoebury to 12.3% in Shoeburyness ward. This is set within the context of the Council’s Tree Policy which sets a target to extend the overall tree canopy cover in the Borough from 12% to 15% by 2050. Opportunities for enhancement of green space will be pursued wherever possible, especially around East Beach where management of day visitors will be particularly important.

Local Green Space

National planning policy allows local authorities to designate land as Local Green Space through their local plans, so that communities can identify and protect green areas of particular importance to them, for example because of its historic significance, recreational value, tranquillity, beauty or richness of its wildlife. Policies for managing Local Green Space are consistent with those for Green Belts.

Proposed Local Green Space – Gunners Park is proposed to be designated as a Local Green Space for its heritage and biodiversity value and unique character offering panoramic sea views. The outcome of this consultation will be particularly important in demonstrating that the space is special to the community.

Proposed New Green Space

It is proposed to designate the coastal walking and cycle link between East Beach and the Garrison estate as a Green Corridor. The potential new settlement to the north and west of Shoeburyness would include substantial amounts of greenspace linking into a broader South Essex Regional Park. This would include significant green corridors that would make access to countryside easier particularly by walking and cycling (Table 51a).

Falcon Way and Colne Drive are existing green spaces adjacent to Colne Drive playground which are proposed to be protected as Amenity Green Space. Other existing green spaces proposed to be protected as Amenity Green Space are Jena Close, Goya Rise and Hogarth Open Space. These informal spaces perform a valuable amenity, recreational and biodiversity role.

Existing playgrounds at Delaware Road, Jena Close and Caulfield Road are also proposed to be protected.

Green spaces with potential for other uses

Playing Fields at George Street and land at Elm Road which are currently protected as green space in the local plan have been identified as public land which has potential for development, including for housing (Table 51b).

Map 57 – Protected Green Space in Shoeburyness and Proposed Green Space

Table 51: Shoeburyness - Protected Green Space

Site Ref.	Name of Site	Size (Ha)	Site Ref.	Name of Site	Size (Ha)
Local Parks			Playgrounds
E109	Gunners Park	28.235	E130	Friars Park	0.402
E110	Shoebury Park	9.261	E131	Shoebury Park Playground	0.191
E111	Friars Park	7.619	E132	Gunners Park - Toddler Play Area	0.036
E112	Shoebury Common	2.769	Pocket Park
E113	Shoebury Common North	2.495	E133	Hogarth Drive Open Space	0.026
Amenity Open Space			School
E114	Aylesbeare Open Space	0.173	S29	Shoebury High playing fields	7.646
E115	Cheldon Barton Open Space	0.365	S30	Friars Primary School Playing fields	1.206
E116	East Beach Open Space	12.735	Allotments
E117	Maplin Way Open Space	1.574	A12	Growing Together Shoeburyness	0.349
E118	Sedgemoor Open Space	1.900	A13	Elm Road/Towerfield Road	0.577
E119	Horseshoe Crescent	0.838	A14	Herbert Road	0.460
E120	Whistler Rise Open Space	0.044	A15	St Andrews Road	0.821
E121	St Mary's Green	4.011	Crematorium, Graveyard or Cemetry
E122	St Mary's Nature Reserve	0.975	C10	St Mary's, Shoebury	0.258
E123	Ness Road	0.448	C11	St Andrews	0.975
E124	Campfield Road War Memorial	0.422	Release Site
E125	Turner Close Courtyard	0.041	HEA135	Part of playing field George Street	0.318
Sports Grounds			HEA137	Land at Elm Road Sports Ground	3.880
E126	Garrison Cricket Square	2.186
E127	Gunners Park - Wheeled Sports	0.034
E128	Gunners Park - Ball Sports	0.032
E129	Gunners Park - Tennis Courts	0.124

Sites in bold are proposed as ‘Local Green Space’

Table 51a: Shoeburyness – Proposed Green Space

Individual Sites listed below with questions

Table 51b: Land Use Proposals in Shoeburyness – Green Space Currently Protected but with potential for release

Individual Sites listed below with questions

Question 3.8.4.5a Shoeburyness (Green Space)

Have your say………

Please explain your answers

N32...Shoebury Park Expansion

Local Parks

Site Ref - N32

Name of Site - Shoebury Park Expansion

Size (Ha) - 1.184