Southend Beach Hut Owners Association
NEWS BOARD - ARCHIVE
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
As we approach the longest night, and the weather starts to get a bit more unpredictable, hopefully you are still able to enjoy relaxing in your hut. There have been some beautiful days earlier this month, and I took this photo in a tee-shirt!!!
As always, when you leave your hut (or walk past) take some time to check and make sure it is secure. For those of you who don’t have a gate on your balcony, be aware that rough sleepers are using these types of balconies as they are easy to enter – although even if you have a gate, it may be attractive so, do check.
If you see any evidence, report it to StreetLink https://thestreetlink.org.uk
Hopefully, you have all had your letters from the council and are booking appointments, those of you who got in early will be asked to re-sign as the council made some amendments. Hopefully not too onerous a chore.
There have been a few newspaper articles about Essex – seems the reporter is born and raised in Essex and a big fan:
Happy holidays, a merry Christmas, and a happy new year to you all.
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
As summer is upon us, and temperatures are rising, more people will see the beach as a place to cool down or let off steam. Alas, this also means that there is an increased risk of our huts becoming targets for anti-social behaviour, so please be vigilant and make sure you secure your huts and possessions properly. I ask you to keep an eye out for trouble whilst always staying safe – don’t get involved if it puts you at risk. Only if it is safe to do so you can take a photo which could help with getting a clear picture of what has happened.
But, most importantly 'ALWAYS' stay safe.
Please let the security officer know on 07399 333296.
Don’t forget to report any instances you see to the police and Southend City Council, links are here:
https://www.essex.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
https://www.southend.gov.uk/communities-neighbourhoods-environment/crime-anti-social-behaviour-1/2
If you want to, you can also contact Crimestoppers here:
https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information
The Association has reached out to the council regarding including the beachfront in their regular patrols.
Lets hope that this is a short blip and our huts aren’t going to be targets.
Stay safe.
Simon Sterry
Chairman
HUT RENOVATIONS
PERFORMING RENOVATION WORKS TO HUTS
General guidance is as follows:
If you’re making any major changes to a hut, such as demolition/re-build, changing the footprint size of the hut, changing the type of roof (flat to pitch or vice versa) etc.,* you will need to apply for Planning Permission from the Southend City Council.
Alternatively, if the work is minor and outside of the above examples, you do not need to advise the Council however, you must observe regulations pertaining to beach huts as specified in the Southend City Plan which can be found on the Council website. (Choice of materials, colours, etc.,)
‘*’ The list of examples provided is not exhaustive.
VEHICLE ACCESS TO REAR OF HUTS No's 400 to 450
IS THERE A PROVISION FOR VEHICLE ACCESS TO THE REAR OF THIS STRETCH OF HUTS
There is no official provision for vehicle access to the rear of this stretch of huts. But there is not usually a problem with careful and considerate use of a vehicle in the process of hut work, if the owner can find a safe way through without damaging Council property or contravening road traffic regulations. Sometimes, the traffic wardens prove a little uncooperative and seem unaware that since it is not a public highway nor a Council car park, they don't have any jurisdiction there.
PLEASE NOTE: The SBHOA present this review for guidance only.
SOUTHEND HALF MARATHON
HAVENS HOSPICES are holding their
HALF MARATHON
8th JUNE 2025
SEAFRONT ROAD CLOSURES
Advanced warning
Access to Beach huts will be affected
GRASS CAR PARK AT THE SIDE OF 'UNCLE TOMS'
A question raised "When is the grass car park at the side of 'Uncle Toms' going to be open." - Answer: The area is covered by the Southend Highways and Car Parks division and our Environmental Officer, Terry Longman has been informed this is an overflow car park only and is closed in poor weather conditions, i.e: Winter months, and therefore will open when the weather improves in the near future.
FIRST DRAFT OF NEW LEASE NOW RECIEVED FROM SOUTHEND COUNCIL
SBHOA Lease Working Group report
sbhoa2001@gmail.com is our new email address for communicating news, events, updates etc., to members.
A test email was sent during February to all members, therefore, if you don't remember receiving the test email please check your 'junk' box and if there, mark it as 'not' junk so all future emails will enter your inbox.