'OK, so that's most of the photographs uploaded, I've not uploaded ALL of the photographs as there are loads. However these capture most of what I need for the report.'
HISTORY
The history is quite vague I am afraid.. I will add what I have researched so far though.
The site formally belonged to the MOD. It was acquired by HM Customs and Excise - where they operated a Computer Division Team.
***At this point in time I don't know when the site and buildings were constructed (still trying to find out) - As soon as I learn of this information it shall be added to this report.***
Customs and Excise moved on in cc (will add soon). They ended their services here and vacated the site on (info coming soon) - and the buildings stood vacant for a year or so. Then 'Cantel Medical Supplies Ltd' moved their registered office to Shoeburyness on cc15/3/2017 -The Cantel Medical Supplies Ltd site closed for good on (info coming soon)
...
ABOUT CANTEL
Cantel is a global company dedicated to delivering innovative infection prevention products and services for patients, caregivers, and other healthcare providers.
Their products and solutions improve outcomes and help save lives.
Through an expansive portfolio of endoscopy, water purification and filtration, and healthcare disposables,
Cantel provides high-quality infection prevention solutions and an unsurpassed service.
Through their products and solutions, they touch millions of patients each year around the world.
...
On 22nd April 2022 Taylor Wimpey, one of the UK’s largest home construction companies, was working on proposals for developing the Cantel Medical two-storey warehouse site.
On 9th June 2022 In cc2022 'Taylor Wimpey' had submitted a preliminary application for the homes to be built on the Cantel Medical warehouse site in Shoeburyness following a public consultation.
On 16th July 2022 residents rallied to protect the trees which include mature cedars, maples, oaks and sycamores.
Southend-on-Sea Council agreed to put tree preservation orders on 50 trees including eight individual tress and three groups of trees on the site.
The order will also protect approximately 40 acres and hawthorn trees on a raised embankment to the north of the site.
On 12th February 2023 Taylor Wimpey, submitted a bid to Southend-on-Sea's Council to bulldoze the Cantel Medical site to make way for 58 homes and a three-storey block of 12 flats.
The proposals will see 63 mature trees felled to make way for the new homes
On 26th March 2023 Developer Taylor Wimpey has submitted proposals to build 58 homes and 12 flats on the Cantel Medical site in Shoebury.
The proposals will see 63 mature trees – listed under council tree protection orders – felled to make way for the new homes, with the firm pledging to plant 81 young trees to replace them.
On 28th July 2023 Campaigners hoping to protect 62 trees on the former Cantel Medical Ltd site in Shoebury, have now axed 29/7/2023 event after developer Taylor Wimpey put up a metal fence around the site.
The council ignored its own Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) to approve the scheme which will see the trees make way for a three-storey block of 12 flats and 58 houses.
On 1st December 2023 Campaigners repeatedly opposed Taylor Wimpey plans on the former Cantel Medical Ltd site in but work was soon to begin.
The plans include the removal of 62 trees which sit on a hill on the boundary of the site.
Earlier in the year, the company (T.W) put up temporary metal fencing which was promptly knocked down by the protesters.
On 19th December 2023 Protestors formed a picket line as they protested against plans to cut down trees on the former Cantel Medical site.
Developer Taylor Wimpey is behind plans to clear the site and build the new homes, but residents have repeatedly called for the trees to be safeguarded as a “valuable and essential habitat for birds, insects and wildlife”.
On 16th January 2024 Initially planning approval included a promise to make 30 per cent of the properties “affordable housing” - however the developer has now applied to alter this part of the scheme.
Instead, 21 of the homes would be “intermediate tenure” – meaning they will be rented at 90 per cent of the market value. Possibly voiding the contract. Residents are less than happy to say the least.
On 17th January 2024 protesters are set to combine together to form a new “action group” raising major concerns over loss of green belt land and open spaces, as well as damage to biodiversity and the loss of trees.
DEMOLITION STARTED IN 11th DECEMBER 2023 (18 Weeks) and is at present ongoing.
THE EXPLORE
Upon the day of the explore I walked around the perimeter of the site for a few more still shots, The site appeared to be free from contractors and no cars were on site.
There were A LOT of site cameras as well as older security cams. Some appeared to have been chopped but others may still have been active, I was on high alert and cautious.of my surroundings.
Access WAS NOT EASY !! The site was very secure, but not impenetrable and was managed unscathed.
The rear of the warehouse areas had already started being dem'd and were easy to access - However the housing minus the roofs were secure. Climbing isn't a strong point of mine and with dodgy knees I wasn't about to try - I didn't feel like going to A&E in exchange for possibly getting interior shots.
A handful of other areas on the outskirts of the site were also locked - and remained locked.
I was happy though that I could finally document the inside of parts of the building/s previously unseen by most.
I exited the site a different way, and sat on the photos for a few weeks before deciding to do the report today.
It was a great explore non the less and my adrenaline was running high.
MORE INFO
I knew the site was closing down with demolition on the cards since November cc2022 - and decided to capture many still photographs as time moved forward.
A report made by a soil sampling team stated the area of the bund / hill has soil which is contaminated with cyanide, this is because this was the old gas works for the MOD, (see attached map and over layered map)
the site may still be full of cc1860's gas pipes as this was site of garrison gas plant before Elm rd site cc1900's.
There used to be an old cottage situated where the bund is now, (which was demolished in the early cc1970's.
Remains of the cottage may still be buried under the bund.
Also, part of the Garrison wall was rebuilt (opposite the pub) in the early cc1970s - which suggests that the whole wall was inspected at that time. The cottage outline can be seen on the old map above as well as the Gas Works tank which appears to have been positioned under where the manhole now resides.
I believe that the mound was ‘built’ at the same time to add support to that part of the wall instead of building buttresses. The work was done shortly before that area of the barracks was sold off to HM customs & Excise.
There used to be a shallow ditch, that also ran across the bund area which had water in it most of the time; it ran across what was the Cantel Ltd. site, and could explain 'some' of the other manhole covers.
FUTURE PLANS
Week commencing 26th February 2024
Archaeological digs and trenches - However this has already been done, so possibly a continuation of their research. (5 weeks)
Week commencing 29th April 2024
Forming the road junction and on site roads (12 weeks)
Summer 2026 - Construction to be completed
FINAL THOUGHTS
Residents of Shoeburyness are very unhappy about the proposed felling of trees across the whole site. Many residents are also against the idea of 'not so affordable' affordable housing to replace the current buildings and structures.
Residents are keen to keep protesting the development and are unhappy that the original development plan has been altered.
I can understand that the site needs to be repurposed but am personally sad that the original housing there is also being demolished.
(and wish I had managed to at least get interior shots of them too)
There is little hope that the protesters will stop the tree felling, and some have already been chopped.
By cc2026 the work should be completed.
