THE MoD is putting up a 2.4m-high fence along a stretch of rail line for national security reasons – against the wishes of Southend Council.

The council gave permission for a 2m fence to be put up along the line, which stretches along Gunners Road and into MoD land off Blackgate Road, after residents complained a 3m one would be too high.

However, the Ministry of Defence has workmen building the taller fence, citing national security as overriding the council’s permission.

Mike Assenheim, Independent councillor for Shoebury, said: “In February, development control passed and application for a fence no higher than 2m.

“Instead, the MoD used permitted development rights for national security purposes.

“Under this legislation, it can erect fences or gates on behalf of the crown, of up to 5.4m so the council has no control over it.

“The MoD says it expects the work to take about ten weeks. I feel sorry for the residents, but what can we do?

“Development control said to keep it as low as possible, but Government legislation overtakes this permission.”

The line is used only occasionally, mostly for trains carrying ordnance to the Shoebury ranges.

It runs from the Shoebury terminus across the High Street and along the length of Gunners Road.

There are houses overlooking the rail line on one side and some houses and a mobile home park on the East Beach side.

Anne Chalk, also an Independent councillor for Shoebury, said: “It will be completely intrusive and like being in a prison for residents.

“It’s really bad because we had an agreement, but that’s been overruled. It will be horrible for people in Gunners Road.”

A resident who asked not to be named said she believed the fence was taller than 2.4m. She said: “We were told it would only be 2m, but when I saw the fence posts going in, I realised it was a lot taller.

“We went over with a tape measure and it was 3m.

“The workmen said the whole fence is going to be that height.

It’s going to be awful, like being in prison.”

However, the MoD says the fence isn’t that tall.

A spokesman said: “Following consultation with the local planning authority, the MoD intends to use Permitted Development Rights in order to erect a fence on land at Shoebury.

“The use of rights was always available to MoD due to reasons of national security and instigation is deemed appropriate to ensure public and operational safety.

“The operational requirements of the site and the safety of the train, track and public are of paramount importance to the MoD and the 2.4m height of the fencing is necessary in orde to prevent access to the line."