See-through seawall fear sparks common battle

The Southend Beach Hut Owners’ Association has enlisted lawyers to look at the implications of the common being given the status if the Friends of Shoebury Common are successful in their bid.

The Friends put in the application so the common will be protected from development, including controversial plans to build a 70ft seawall using mud from the cliffs slip in Southend.

The plans were put on hold when the new Southend Council administration was voted in last May, but alternative ways of protecting the area from flooding are being considered.

However, the beach hut group says village green status could prevent huts being repaired or replaced and would stop the council building sea defences.

In a letter to members, the association said: “If the council is prevented from building any form of sea defence behind the huts, it is possible it may consider raising the existing seawall, either in solid construction, or using heavy duty, see-through industrial plastic, as can be seen at Wells-Next- The-Sea.

“In either case, the visual amenity for hut owners and the general public, of sitting at the seawall with an unobstructed sea view, would be severely impeded.

“It follows that any raising of the existing seawall would entail corresponding alterations to steps accessing the beach, and would limit or prevent access to the beach over the seawall.”

Ian Robinson, association membership secretary, said: “We are seeking legal advice because we don’t know what the implications are if the common is given this status. Some things are going to change and we want to find out how that will affect us and if it’s in the best interest of our members.

“The last thing the people with huts on the promenade want to sit and look at is a Perspex wall. I think we would like to see something behind the beach huts.”

The association also believes the status may prevent visitors parking on the common, but the Friends of Shoebury Common say their fears are unfounded.