Plans to demolish vandal-hit former MOD buildings at Second World War site in East Boldon

The disused army camp is located on the outskirts of East Boldon, near the Sunderland Greyhound Stadium.

It includes five concrete reinforced bunkers that were used for ammunition, and a hangar that was designed for the making of ammunition, as well as a cottage, offices and an old fire house.

New plans submitted to South Tyneside Council’s planning department aim to demolish the smaller structures at the north of the site.

The planning listing refers to the“demolition of derelict and vandalised bungalow and buildings connected with the Ministry of Defence (MoD)”.

An application form states the buildings are being “vandalised regularly and are in a dangerous condition.”

Planning documents add that rubble from the demolition would be stored on site or used to prevent access to the bunkers.

However the concrete ammunition bunkers and hangar building are excluded from the demolition scheme.

Council planners are being asked to decide whether ‘prior approval’ is needed for the planning application to progress.

A South Tyneside Council spokesperson added: “We have received an application for prior approval for the demolition of the derelict and vandalised buildings at the former MoD Depot in East Boldon.

“The application will be determined in due course.”

East Boldon Anti-Aircraft Supply Depot is the last of its type in the North East of England.

The Boldon Camp Heritage Group was set up to raise awareness of the historical importance of the now derelict camp and the role it played in the Second World War.

The group are still campaigning to conserve the site for future generations and hope it could be used as a local heritage centre.

The group’s website also reminds people: “Boldon Anti-Aircraft Supply Depot is private land… for this reason, trespassing on this land is NOT encouraged by the group or its supporters. Doing so is an illegal act and could lead to prosecution if found guilty.”

For updates on the status of the demolition application, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/35961/Search-planning-applications and search planning reference: ST/0713/20/DEM

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