A FORMER military site where hundreds of homes are set to be built has been put up for sale by a developer in a bid to raise extra cash.

The Shoebury Garrison site, off Barge Pier Road, has been put on the market with owner and developer - Garrison Developments - saying all offers are being considered.

Last December, Southend Council backed the developers’ plans for 214 homes.

Shoebury Residents’ Association has strongly opposed the development, and now says it is worried more homes could be added if the site changes hands.

Vice-chairman, Peter Lovett said: “We are now worried this may be sold to one of the giant developers, who have the experience to re-apply for planning and double the number of homes or increase the number of tall blocks being built on this wildlife site.

“I am not surprised as I was worried the firm would be selling it off after plans were approved.

“If one of the big developers takes it up they could want a better return and we could end up with 400 homes there.

“We are not happy about it at all and the response from the community has not been good either.”

The current plans include 115 flats and 99 houses, with a new health centre and pharmacy and 499 parking spaces. The developer will also pay £30,000 towards improvements to the nearby Ness Road and Campfield Road junction and £493,000 towards Shoebury High School.

Paul Denney, spokesman for the developer, said: “We can confirm that we have recently instructed agents to market the development site by informal tender, so there is no asking price.

“There’s no particular reason, it’s one way developers produce income. We assume that someone will only buy it if they want to develop.

“The market will dictate the value that an able buyer is willing to pay. The deadline for return of offers is May 28 so we will have to wait and see what response we get. The site is for sale with the benefit of the consented development of 214 dwellings plus the commercial element and health centre.”

He said it would be up to the council to decide if additional homes would be allowed if any plans were brought forward.