WW2 gun site faces demolition in Swanage seafront scheme

Summarised from BBC Dorset's report · Updated 21 Oct, 08:14 · Archive

Swanage Town Council wants to demolish a World War Two gun emplacement as part of a £6.9m seafront stabilisation project.

Swanage Town Council wants to demolish a World War Two gun emplacement on Sandpit Field as part of a £6.9m scheme to stabilise Sandpit Field and Weather Station Field, where ground movement has caused significant cracks in retaining walls.

The structure has been damaged by continuing ground movement. Councillor Cliff Sutton said engineering reports had found cracking and a void beneath the emplacement, which would not survive the stabilisation works. A resident applied for the structure to be listed in July, but Historic England refused, saying alterations had compromised its historic interest. An appeal to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport was also rejected.

Dorset Council planning officers have recommended approval despite 60 objections. The council's conservation officer did not support the demolition, saying it would weaken Swanage's links to its wartime past. The scheme also includes closing part of Walrond Road to create an events space, a plaza and 46 beach huts. Dorset Council is contributing £2.5m, with the town council covering the rest.

Read the report

• WW2 gun site faces demolition in seafront planPlanners recommend approval despite 60 objections and a failed bid to get the structure listed.BBC Dorset · 21 Oct, 06:07

In this story: Swanage Town Council · Dorset Council · Sandpit Field · Swanage · Historic England · Nick Chellingworth · Cliff Sutton

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