Local Issues
New Town
Plans are underway to build 10,000 houses on Southend's Greenbelt and land near Bournes Green Chase. Local interest groups have met to discuss the environmental and local impact of a new town in the area. For more information or to get involved in the campaign you can view the website 'Saving Southend's Greenbelt' below.
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Maintenance & Management
Shoebury Garrison Management Company Ltd (SGMCL) ensures the Garrison is managed and maintained in line with the requirement of the various leases and freehold titles. This includes the appointment and oversight of suitably qualified managing agents, the establishment of the annual estate charge budget (to include the provision of a sinking fun to meet the cost of long term remedial works), and the collection of the required fees from all contributors. Its Directors are unpaid volunteers with valuable expertise.
With input from the GRA, the SGMCL will determine priorities for the maintenance and administration of the areas within the Garrison that fall within its remit. This will include the appointment of contractors to undertake work to an appropriate standard whilst ensuring they deliver value for money.
The current Managing Agents are Fowler & Spenceley and are the principal point of contact for maintenance, and for technical issues around property sales and certificates.
Environment
The Essex Wildlife Trust plays a vital role in supporting the Garrison's local environment and wildlife. Through their conservation efforts, they help protect and enhance the natural habitats surrounding the area, ensuring local flora and fauna thrive. Their guidance and expertise also promote sustainable practices within the community, fostering a deeper connection between residents and the unique coastal and green spaces of Shoebury Garrison.
Many people will have seen the flock of sheep that were brought in to 'mow the grass' in our Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a particularly rare area of coastal grassland here on the Garrison.
Members of the GRA committee attended a meeting during which experts from the Essex Wildlife Trust explained the importance of this natural habitat nationally.
New Developments
The two housing developments on the fringes of the Garrison are Bellway and Taylor Wimpey. While the Garrison Residents Association (GRA) remains committed to liaising with these developers to address community concerns, residents are encouraged to contact Bellway and Taylor Wimpey directly to voice any specific issues.
Members of the GRA committee met with Bellway in February 2025 to discuss the 4.5 year development timeframe, budgets and community engagement. It was a positive meeting, building relationships that will help with future discussions whenever the need arises.
Parking
Parking remains a contentious issue within the community, with residents holding varying opinions on whether parking restrictions should be introduced. This topic sparked significant debate at the last AGM. While no consultation has yet been initiated by SGMCL, the Garrison Residents Association (GRA) will liaise with them as needed. Stay tuned for updates.
An unofficial poll was put out on the Shoebury Garrison Facebook page at the beginning of July 2025 just to get a gauge of interest in parking restrictions to help the GRA committee understand the feelings of residents in adopted and unadopted roads across the Garrison.
Crime and Anti-social behaviour
The Garrison is generally a safe and highly desirable place to live; however, there have been occasional spates of crime, most notably opportunistic break-ins targeting cars. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant by locking cars and continue reporting any instances of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage to the appropriate authorities.
Members of the GRA met with MP for Southend East and Rochford, Mr Bayo Alaba on 2nd July 2025 to discuss matters and invited him to attend a local event and committee meeting.